Muzaffarpur ICU Fire: 10 Killed, Probe Ordered into Hospital Safety Lapses

Muzaffarpur: At least 10 patients died and other were injured after a massive fire broke out in the wee hours on Thursday at a Muzaffarpur hospital's Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in Bihar. Muzaffarpur District Magistrate, Subrat Kumar Sen said that "at first look, it seems like a short circuit at the oxygen unit and the monitor system."

Where did the incdent happen?

The incident occurred after a fire broke out at the fifth floor of the Prasad Hospital in Muzaffarpur district of Bihar at 3:55 am.  

What did the District Magistrate say?

Muzaffarpur District Magistrate, Subrat Kumar Sen informed that that firefighting teams brought the blaze under control and the cause of the fire is being investigated. 

Initial reports suggest that the fire may have started from a short circuit at the oxygen unit and monitor system. 

The District Magistrate said that more than 20 patients were reportedly injured in the incident and were safely evacuated from the building. Several of the rescued patients are said to be in critical condition.

"The ICU in-charge of the hospital is also gravely injured. He is also admitted to a nearby hospital. We have to confirm the proper data about how many lives are lost. Currently, we have identified three as dead," said Sen.

VIDEO | Muzaffarpur, Bihar: DM Subrata Kumar Sen on fire at ICU of a private hospital, says, "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… pic.twitter.com/I0c8HYOsMO

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Talking about the cause of the fire, Sen said, "At first look, it seems like a short circuit at the oxygen unit and the monitor system. We will carry out the necessary procedures to find out the real reason for the fire breakout."

What are the victims family saying?

Relatives of patients present at the hospital have levelled serious allegations against the hospital administration following the fire. Family members of some patients said that they had been unable to locate their relatives in the aftermath of the blaze.

What did the fire officers say?

Fire department officials said that the preliminary findings suggest the blaze may have spread quickly because of inadequate fire safety measures in the ICU of the hospital. 

Fire Department official Ram Niwas Pandey said the exact extent of casualties was still being verified.

“As of now, the deaths of ten individuals have been confirmed; however, it is difficult to ascertain the exact death toll at this moment. Several patients may have lost their lives due to smoke inhalation and asphyxiation within the ICU caused by the fire. We are striving to gather all relevant details as quickly as possible,” he said.