A devastating fire swept through the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Prasad Hospital in Bihar's Muzaffarpur early on Thursday morning, killing several patients and injuring many others.

Officials have confirmed multiple deaths. They fear the toll could rise as several critically ill patients suffered serious injuries and remain in unstable condition.

Blaze Erupts in Early Morning Hours

The fire reportedly started around 3 am on the upper floor of the private hospital. Most patients and night-shift staff were asleep when the blaze broke out. The fire spread quickly, creating panic throughout the building.

As the alarm sounded, relatives, hospital employees, and medical staff rushed to save patients trapped inside smoke-filled wards and corridors.

Rescue Efforts Launched Amid Chaos

The situation became especially challenging because many patients in the ICU depended on life-support systems and could not move without assistance. Family members and hospital staff worked frantically to evacuate patients as thick smoke filled the building.

Emergency services responded immediately after receiving information about the fire. Fire tenders rushed to the hospital, and firefighters began rescue operations.

Police personnel and local residents also joined the effort to help evacuate people trapped on the upper floors.

Fire Brought Under Control

Rescue teams managed to move several patients and staff members to safety. Authorities later brought the fire under control. However, emergency teams continued searching the premises and verifying that all occupants had been evacuated safely.

Officials are also assessing the extent of damage caused by the blaze.

Short Circuit Suspected

Initial investigations suggest that an electrical short circuit involving ICU equipment may have triggered the fire. However, officials have not confirmed the exact cause. Authorities have launched a detailed investigation to determine how the blaze started.

Tragedy Follows Deadly Delhi Fire

The Muzaffarpur hospital fire occurred just a day after another major fire tragedy in the country.On Wednesday, a massive blaze at the Flourish Stay B&B in Delhi's Malviya Nagar area killed 21 people, including 18 foreign nationals.

Following that incident, authorities arrested building owner Lavkesh Bajaj over alleged violations of fire safety norms and building regulations. The back-to-back fire tragedies have once again raised concerns about fire safety standards and emergency preparedness in public and private buildings across India.