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4 Dead in Fire Accident at a Private Hospital In Bihar
Muzaffarpur: At least four patients died and more than 20 others suffered severe burn injuries after a massive fire broke out in the ICU ward of a private Hospital in Brahmpura area of Bihar’s Muzaffarpur in the wee hours of Thursday, raising concerns over fire safety measures in hospitals across the state.
The incident triggered panic inside the hospital as flames and thick smoke rapidly spread through the ICU. According to eyewitnesses, immediately after the fire broke out, hospital staff and local residents rushed to the spot, breaking open windows to evacuate patients trapped inside the ward, eventually managing to save precious lives.
Receiving information, fire department engaged as many as eight fire tenders to douse the blaze. It took almost 3-4 hours before the fire was finally brought under control.
The deceased have been identified as Krishnandan Prasad Singh (76), Geeta Devi (62), Uday Kumar (57), and Shashank (30).
Fire officer RN Pandey said, “The department received information about the fire at around 3 AM. ICU ward was filled with smoke when the rescue teams arrived. More than 20 patients were safely evacuated.”
“There is preliminary information about three deaths. It is being verified,” the official said.
Soon, senior officials from the district administration, health department and police reached the hospital and supervised the rescue and relief operations. Injured patients were shifted by ambulance to different hospitals in Muzaffarpur, where treatment is underway.
District Magistrate Subrata Kumar Sen said 13-15 patients were admitted in the ICU when the fire broke out. According to the hospital administration, some patients were shifted to other medical facilities.
Officials said teams are working to identify the deceased and assess the extent of damage caused to the ICU ward. While the exact cause of the fire is yet to be established, preliminary information suggests that an electrical short circuit may have triggered the blaze.
“A total of 15 patients were admitted at the facility, and we have so far obtained records for 13 of them. Some patients were also being treated in the CCU. They have now been shifted and admitted to nearby hospitals. We have recorded statements from their family members as well. As of now, three deaths have been officially confirmed. We have seen the bodies, and the Civil Surgeon has also confirmed the fatalities. It is a very tragic incident,” said Sen in his first response after the incident.