Patna, June 5 (IANS) A day after a tragic fire at Prasad Hospital in Bihar’s Muzaffarpur, District Magistrate (DM) Subrat Kumar Sen confirmed that so far six patients have lost their lives in the incident.

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

Speaking to IANS, Subrat Kumar Sen said: “A painful incident took place yesterday. We have taken prompt action and some patients were referred to Medanta hospital in Patna. There, one of the patients passed away in late evening.”

“The total number of deaths in the incident has now reached six,” he said.

He mentioned that in accordance with Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary’s announcement, families of five deceased were provided with Rs. 4 lakh ex gratia each, yesterday itself.

The District Magistrate said that the post-mortem of the sixth person who died the previous night was conducted at Patna Medical College and Hospital. “After his body was handed over this morning, his family, too, has been provided the compensation,” he said.

He added: “The rest of the patients who were admitted in the ICU at the time of the fire, are currently being treated at different hospitals (across the state).”

“A five-member committee led by the Additional District Magistrate (ADM), is currently investigating the incident,” he mentioned.

District Magistrate Sen further said that strict action will be taken against hospitals if they are found violating norms.

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.

Sen had previously 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 had said.

–IANS

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