Four Killed in Muzaffarpur Hospital Fire; Bihar Government Announces Compensation, Orders Probe

Patna, June 2026 : The death toll in the devastating fire that engulfed a private hospital in Bihar’s Muzaffarpur district in the early hours of Thursday rose to four, prompting the state government to announce compensation for the victims’ families and order a detailed investigation into the incident.

The blaze broke out around 3 a.m. at Prasad Hospital, located in the Brahmpura area of Muzaffarpur, triggering panic among patients, attendants and medical staff. Thick smoke rapidly spread through the building, forcing emergency responders and local residents to launch a large-scale rescue operation.

Expressing deep sorrow over the tragedy, Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 4 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased victim.

In a statement, the Chief Minister described the loss of lives as heartbreaking and conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families. He said the state government stood with the affected families during this difficult period and had directed officials to ensure immediate financial assistance.

“The death of four people in the fire at a private hospital in Muzaffarpur is deeply tragic. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. Instructions have been issued to provide Rs 4 lakh each to the families of the deceased. The district administration remains fully alert, and proper arrangements have been made for the treatment of the injured,” he said.

Bihar Health Minister Nishant Kumar also reviewed the situation and held discussions with Muzaffarpur District Magistrate Subrat Kumar Sen. He directed officials to ensure that all injured patients receive timely and comprehensive medical care.

According to authorities, several patients were safely evacuated from the hospital and shifted to other healthcare facilities across Muzaffarpur, where they are undergoing treatment.

The deceased have been identified as 76-year-old Krishnandan Prasad Singh of Gaurigma village, 62-year-old Geeta Devi of Distolia village, 30-year-old Shashank Kumar, originally from Ratanpur village and currently residing in Ahiyapur, and 57-year-old Uday Kumar of Vishambharpur village in Sheohar district.

Fire department officials said the blaze is believed to have originated in the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The fire generated dense smoke that quickly engulfed parts of the facility, creating a stampede-like situation as patients and attendants attempted to escape.

District Magistrate Sen stated that preliminary assessments point to an electrical short circuit in the ICU as the likely cause of the fire. However, he stressed that the exact cause would only be confirmed after a thorough technical examination.

Multiple fire tenders were rushed to the spot, and firefighters worked for several hours to bring the blaze under control while simultaneously assisting in rescue operations.

Given the seriousness of the incident, the district administration has ordered a high-level inquiry. Investigators will examine the hospital’s electrical infrastructure, fire safety systems, emergency response mechanisms and compliance with prescribed safety regulations.

Officials said the probe will determine whether any negligence or lapses contributed to the tragedy and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The investigation report is expected to guide further action by the authorities.