4 dead, over 20 rescued as massive fire engulfs Bihar hospital

A major fire at a private hospital in Bihar's Muzaffarpur district claimed four lives and left more than 20 patients injured in the early hours of June 4, triggering panic among patients, attendants and medical staff.

The incident came less than 24 hours after a devastating fire at a guest house in Delhi's Malviya Nagar killed 21 people, raising fresh concerns over fire safety standards at healthcare and commercial establishments.

Officials said the blaze spread rapidly through the hospital, with thick toxic smoke engulfing large sections of the building and turning patient wards into a scene of chaos. Emergency teams rushed to the spot and launched a large-scale rescue operation to evacuate patients trapped inside.

More than 20 patients were rescued and shifted out of the building, while several of those evacuated remain in critical condition. Critically ill patients have been moved to nearby hospitals, and authorities are verifying their condition and whereabouts.

The district administration confirmed four deaths in the incident. The deceased have been identified as Shashank Kumar, Uday Kumar, Geeta Devi and Brijnand Rai.

Subrat Kumar Sen, District Magistrate of Muzaffarpur, said authorities are still assessing the status of all patients who were admitted when the fire broke out. He added that some families have approached officials after being unable to trace their relatives following the incident.

"The ICU in-charge of the hospital is also gravely injured and has been admitted to a nearby hospital. We are verifying the data regarding casualties. As of now, four deaths have been confirmed," Sen said.

Preliminary findings point to a possible short circuit, although officials have not ruled out other causes. According to Sen, the fire may have originated near the oxygen unit and patient monitoring system.

"At first look, it appears to be a short circuit involving the oxygen unit and monitor system. An investigation is underway, and all necessary procedures will be followed to determine the exact cause," he said.

The Civil Surgeon reached the site to oversee rescue efforts and coordinate medical assistance for the injured.

Relatives of patients have levelled serious allegations against the hospital administration in the aftermath of the tragedy. One attendant claimed his father, who was undergoing treatment in the ICU, died in the fire. He alleged that hospital authorities failed to hand over the body and that several staff members were missing from the premises when the emergency unfolded.

Fire officer RN Pandey said the department received information about the blaze around 3 am. By the time firefighters arrived, the ICU was filled with dense smoke, severely hampering rescue efforts.

Pandey also claimed that many hospital employees were absent when emergency teams reached the facility.

Nearly a dozen fire tenders were deployed to contain the blaze. Firefighters carried out rescue operations for several hours, breaking open doors and windows to reach patients trapped in the ICU and other wards before safely evacuating them from the smoke-filled building.

Authorities have launched a detailed investigation into the incident, with officials expected to examine whether fire safety norms and emergency protocols were adequately followed at the hospital.