A hospital fire in Muzaffarpur claimed the lives of five patients. Among the tragic events, a 95-year-old woman named Radha Devi displayed remarkable courage and presence of mind.
Radha Devi, a resident of Chhapra Megh village in Mushahari block, was admitted to the ICU of Prasad Hospital for high blood pressure and breathing difficulties. Early Thursday morning, while she was awake, a short circuit in the ICU filled the room with thick smoke.
In this terrifying scene, where even the bravest would panic, this 95-year-old grandmother showed incredible bravery. Without hesitation, she removed her oxygen mask, pulled out her IV saline needle herself, got up from the stretcher, and ran outside.
Alerted the Nurse on Duty
Despite being unable to walk properly, Radha Devi stumbled out of the ICU and informed the nurse on duty about the fire inside.
Following her warning, the hospital administration immediately took action, quickly evacuating other patients and informing the fire brigade. If the grandmother had not shown courage and alerted the staff in time, the accident could have been even more devastating.
She Ran Out and Told the Madam
“As soon as the fire started, everything went dark. How can I tell you how the fire started? As the smoke spread, I ran out and told the madam, then she went inside to check.”
Son Searched for His Mother for Three Hours
During the chaos after the incident, Radha Devi saved herself by going into another safe room in the hospital. Meanwhile, her son and family members outside were crying inconsolably, fearing she had been caught in the fire.
After about three hours of intense searching, when the family saw Radha Devi sitting safely, they felt immense relief. They then took her safely home.
Screams and Chaos After the Blaze
The entire incident occurred at the well-known Prasad Hospital in Brahmapura, where a severe fire broke out due to a short circuit in the ICU on the fifth floor around 3:30 AM on Thursday.
As soon as the fire started, the entire hospital complex was filled with screams and panic. Ambulances continuously rushed through the streets to transfer critically ill patients to various other hospitals in the city.
Five Patients Have Died So Far
So far, a total of five patients have died due to suffocation and burns in this devastating fire. Initially, four deaths were confirmed, but later, a critically burned female patient, Chanchala Devi, who was admitted to ASAV Hospital, succumbed to her injuries during treatment. The identities of all five deceased are as follows:
- 1. Deceased Chanchala Devi: After the accident, in extremely critical condition, she was shifted to ASAV Hospital in the city, where she breathed her last.
- 2. Deceased Uday Kumar (Vishambharpur, Sheohar): An LIC agent by profession, Uday Kumar had recently undergone brain surgery. When his family on the ground floor heard the noise and ran upstairs, he had already died.
- 3. Deceased Geeta Devi (Distolia, Kathaia): A patient of diabetes, blood pressure, and dialysis, Geeta Devi was admitted to the hospital on June 1.
- 4. Deceased Shashank (Ratanpura, Aurai): Son of Sanjay Chaudhary, Shashank was also fighting for his life in the ICU but fell victim to the fire.
- 5. Deceased Krishnanandan Singh (78 years old, Gorigama Dih, Minapur): He was being treated in Dr. Sanjeev’s unit since May 22 for fluid in his lungs.
Compensation of 4 Lakhs Announced
Considering the severity of the accident, the District Magistrate, Superintendent of Police, along with all senior officers, DSPs, and fire officers, arrived at the scene with their teams and supervised the relief work. Heavy police force has been deployed at the hospital.
The District Magistrate announced an ex-gratia assistance of 4 lakh rupees each for the dependents of all five deceased, as per government rules.
Additionally, strict instructions have been given to provide free treatment for all patients shifted to other hospitals at government expense and to inspect the hospital’s electrical
