Several dead in Bihar hospital ICU fire, day after Malviya Nagar blaze killed 21

A major fire tore through the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Prasad Hospital in Bihar's Muzaffarpur on Thursday morning, leaving several patients dead and triggering chaos across the facility.

Several people have been confirmed dead, with officials fearing the toll could rise, as several critically ill patients sustained severe injuries and remain in unstable condition.

The blaze reportedly broke out around 3:00 am on the upper floor of the private hospital while most patients and overnight staff were asleep.

As the alarm was raised, panic quickly spread through the building. Terrified family members and hospital staff rushed through smoke-filled corridors to evacuate patients, many of whom were connected to life-support systems and unable to move without assistance.

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Fire tenders were dispatched immediately after emergency services were alerted. Firefighters, aided by local residents and police personnel, launched a rescue operation and managed to evacuate several people trapped on the upper floors.

Although the fire has since been brought under control, emergency teams continue to clear the premises and ensure that all occupants have been accounted for.

Preliminary reports suggest the blaze may have been caused by an electrical short circuit involving ICU equipment, though the exact cause remains under investigation.

The incident comes a day after a deadly fire in Delhi's Malviya Nagar area that claimed 21 lives, including 18 foreign nationals. The fire broke out at the Flourish Stay B&B, and authorities have since arrested building owner Lavkesh Bajaj over alleged violations of fire safety norms and building regulations.