At least four patients have died and several others were injured following a massive fire that broke out in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a private hospital in Muzaffarpur, north Bihar, during the early hours of Thursday, June 4, 2026. Officials have indicated that the death count is expected to rise.
The fire occurred at approximately 3:55 a.m. On the fifth floor of Prasad Hospital, located in the Brahmpuran area of Muzaffarpur town. At the time of the incident, 24 patients were admitted to the hospital, 13 of whom were in the ICU where the blaze originated.
Casualties and Emergency Response
The four individuals confirmed deceased have been identified as Krishnandann Prasad Singh, 76; Geeta Devi, 63; Uday Kumar, 57; and Sashank, 30. While three of the victims were from the Muzaffarpur district, Uday Kumar was from the neighboring district of Sheohar.
Emergency responders were deployed immediately following a 3:55 a.m. Call. Ram Niwas Pandey, an official from the Muzaffarpur fire department, stated that approximately 15 people, primarily admitted patients, were evacuated from the ICU. Other patients were subsequently shifted to nearby hospitals as fire services worked to bring the inferno under control.
Investigation and Accountability
While the exact cause of the fire has not yet been formally ascertained, primary reports suggest that a short circuit may have been the reason for the outbreak. Muzaffarpur District Magistrate Subrat Kumar Sen has ordered a formal probe into the incident and has been on-site with officials.
“After the inquiry report, appropriate action will be taken against those found guilty for the incident,” said District Magistrate Subrat Kumar Sen, who added that statements have been recorded from the family members of the patients admitted to the hospital.
The tragedy follows a separate massive fire in Delhi’s Malviya Nagar area on June 3, which resulted in at least 21 deaths. Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary has expressed grief and sorrow over the Muzaffarpur incident, and State Health Minister Nishant Kumar has been apprised of the ongoing situation by the District Magistrate.
What May Happen Next
As the investigation progresses, the death toll may increase. Following the completion of the inquiry report, legal or administrative actions could be taken against those found guilty of negligence. The results of the probe may influence how safety compliance is monitored in similar medical facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the suspected cause of the fire?
Primary reports suggest that a short circuit may have caused the fire to break out. - Where did the fire take place?
The fire occurred on the fifth floor of the Prasad Hospital in the Brahmpuran area of Muzaffarpur. - What action has the government taken?
The Bihar government has announced ₹4 lakh as ex gratia for the families of the victims, and a formal probe has been ordered.
How can urban medical facilities better ensure patient safety during early-morning emergencies?