Overview
- A blaze broke out in the fifth‑floor ICU of Prasad Hospital in Muzaffarpur early on Thursday, June 4, filling the ward with dense smoke and forcing mass evacuation of critically ill patients.
- Officials have confirmed six deaths, which local authorities say were caused by smoke inhalation rather than burn injuries, and many survivors are being treated at nearby hospitals.
- Muzaffarpur police registered an FIR and arrested three hospital employees including the ICU in‑charge on charges of negligence as investigators examine staff conduct during the evacuation.
- State fire officials and a district five‑member inquiry are probing a suspected short circuit and reports that mandatory automatic fire‑safety systems were not functional at the facility.
- The Bihar government has announced an ex gratia payment of ₹4 lakh per deceased and officials say the probe could lead to further arrests or action against the hospital owners if safety lapses are confirmed.