Patna, June 4 (IANS) The death toll in the devastating fire that broke out at Prasad Hospital in Muzaffarpur early on Thursday morning has risen to four, with Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary confirming the fatalities and announcing financial assistance for the affected families.

Expressing grief over the tragedy, the Chief Minister announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 4 lakh each to the next of kin of the deceased.

“The demise of four individuals in the fire at a private hospital in Muzaffarpur is deeply tragic. My deepest condolences to the bereaved families. May God grant peace to the departed souls and provide strength to their families during this difficult time. Instructions have been issued to immediately provide an ex gratia of Rs 4 lakh each to the families of the deceased. The local administration remains fully alert, and adequate arrangements have been made at the Sadar Hospital for the treatment of the injured,” the Chief Minister said.

Bihar Health Minister Nishant Kumar also reviewed the situation and spoke with Muzaffarpur District Magistrate Subrat Kumar Sen.

He directed the district administration to ensure that all injured patients receive complete and timely medical treatment.

The local administration has shifted several patients to other healthcare facilities in Muzaffarpur, where they are currently undergoing treatment.

Authorities have identified the four people who lost their lives in the tragedy as Krishnandan Prasad Singh (76), a resident of Gaurigma village under Minapur police station, Geeta Devi (62), a resident of Distolia village under Kathaiya police station, Shashank Kumar (30), originally from Ratanpur village under Aurai police station and presently residing at Newalal Chowk in Ahiyapur, and Uday Kumar (57), a resident of Vishambharpur village under Tariyani Chhapra police station in Sheohar district.

The incident occurred at around 3:00 A.M. at Prasad Hospital, located under the jurisdiction of the Brahmpura police station area in Muzaffarpur.

According to a fire official, the blaze originated in the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU), resulting in thick smoke that quickly spread through the facility and triggered panic among patients, attendants, and hospital staff.

The fire created a stampede-like situation, while emergency responders and local residents joined hands to evacuate patients trapped inside the building.

District Magistrate Sen stated that preliminary findings indicate the fire may have been caused by an electrical short circuit in the ICU ward.

“However, the exact cause will be determined after a detailed technical investigation,” he said.

Fire department personnel and district authorities conducted rescue operations, and the blaze was eventually brought under control after multiple fire tenders were deployed.

In view of the seriousness of the incident, the district administration has initiated a high-level enquiry into the fire.

The investigation is expected to examine the hospital’s electrical systems, fire safety measures, emergency preparedness, and compliance with applicable safety regulations.

–IANS

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