MUZAFFARPUR, June 3, 2026 (Udaipur Kiran) : A major fire broke out at the private Prasad Hospital in Muzaffarpur, Bihar, resulting in multiple casualties and injuries. While reports from the scene suggested that up to 10 people may have died, District Magistrate Subrat Kumar Sen confirmed the death of four patients. Officials indicated that the casualty figure could rise as rescue and relief operations continue.
The incident occurred at around 3:20 am in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) located on the fourth floor of the hospital in the Brahmpura area of Muzaffarpur. According to the district administration, more than 15 patients were admitted to the ICU at the time of the fire, while firefighting personnel estimated the number to be around 25.
Fire brigade teams, police and district administration officials rushed to the spot and launched rescue operations. Around 20 patients were rescued and shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment. District Magistrate Subrat Kumar Sen, Senior Superintendent of Police Kantesh Kumar Mishra and other senior officials remained present at the site.
The preliminary cause of the fire is suspected to be a short circuit. According to reports, a loud explosion-like sound was heard in the ICU, following which ventilator equipment allegedly caught fire, triggering panic throughout the hospital.
A relative of one of the patients alleged that there was no attendant present in the ICU at the time of the incident. Family members reportedly tried to rescue patients themselves as smoke rapidly filled the ICU. The complainant further alleged that no hospital staff member was seen attempting to extinguish the fire and that staff members left the building to save themselves.
The incident has also raised questions regarding the hospital’s fire safety arrangements. Reports stated that the hospital’s fire hydrant system did not function during the emergency. Although some fire extinguishers were available, there was reportedly no one present to operate them.
District Magistrate Subrat Kumar Sen said that a detailed investigation had been ordered into the incident. He stated that approximately 15 patients were admitted to the ICU and that all injured persons had been shifted to nearby hospitals. He added that strict action would be taken if any negligence was found during the inquiry.
Senior Superintendent of Police Kantesh Kumar Mishra said statements of patients’ relatives were being recorded and a team had been constituted to investigate the cause of the fire. The Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team has also been involved in the probe. He said the matter would undergo a complete technical investigation.
The bodies of the deceased have been sent for post-mortem examination. Police said action would be taken based on the findings of the investigation. Authorities have sealed the hospital premises, and officials stated that action against the hospital management would also be considered after the inquiry.
The fire has been brought under control, though reports indicated that the effects of the blaze were still evident several hours after the incident.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
