Muzaffarpur Hospital licence suspended; 3 staff arrested after ICU fire kills six

Muzaffarpur: Following a devastating fire in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Prasad Hospital in Muzaffarpur that claimed six lives, authorities have suspended the hospital’s licence and issued a show-cause notice to the management, seeking a response within seven days.

District health authorities took the action after an initial assessment pointed to possible lapses in safety measures and alleged negligence by the hospital administration. The suspension order was issued by the Civil Surgeon’s office, with the hospital’s registration revoked with immediate effect.

Also Read:4 killed in Bihar's Muzaffarpur hospital ICU fire

According to an order issued by the Civil Surgeon’s office, the hospital management has been directed to submit a detailed explanation along with supporting documents explaining the circumstances that led to the tragedy.

Speaking to India Today, Muzaffarpur District Magistrate Subrat Kumar Sen confirmed the action and said the hospital had been served a show-cause notice. He stated that authorities would examine the hospital's response before deciding on further action.

The fire broke out early Thursday morning in the ICU, reportedly spreading rapidly through the ward and adjoining areas. Preliminary findings suggest a possible short circuit as the cause, though the exact reason has not yet been officially confirmed. The dense smoke made evacuation extremely difficult for critically ill patients.

Six patients died in the incident, while several others sustained injuries and were shifted to different hospitals for treatment. Some of the rescued patients remain in critical condition, officials said.

Medical Dialogues had previously reported that in a tragic incident, around four patients lost their lives after a massive fire broke out in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) on the fifth floor of Prasad Hospital in Muzaffarpur district. However, as rescue operations are still underway, the death toll is feared to rise.

According to the police, an investigation into the incident is currently underway, and action will be taken against the hospital owner if necessary. At least 17 injured patients are undergoing treatment in various hospitals.

Following the incident, families and local residents accused the hospital administration of negligence and inadequate fire safety arrangements. Some relatives also alleged that there was disorganisation during the rescue operation and that information about admitted patients was not readily available at the time of the emergency.

Police have arrested three hospital employees in connection with the incident as part of the ongoing investigation. Muzaffarpur City SP Mohibullah Ansari said the ICU duty doctor, administrative manager, and maintenance manager were among those arrested, adding that their roles appeared suspicious during the initial inquiry.

A five-member committee has also been constituted by the district administration to investigate the incident, including possible violations of fire safety norms and emergency protocols.

The Bihar government has announced an ex gratia compensation of Rs 4 lakh for the families of the deceased, as per existing policy.

Meanwhile, State Health Minister Nishant Kumar abruptly cancelled his Delhi tour and returned to Patna on Friday. He later visited Jayaprabha Medanta Hospital in Patna to meet patients of the Muzaffarpur fire tragedy. He said that he would ensure better treatment for the injured, reports TNIE.

Authorities said a detailed investigation is underway, and further legal action will be taken if violations or negligence are established.

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