Patna, June 5 -- At least five patients, including a government employee, died after a fire broke out at a private hospital in Bihar's Muzaffarpur district early on Thursday, prompting the administration to form a five-member panel to probe the incident, officials said. Bihar chief minister Samrat Choudhary described the incident as "extremely tragic" and announced ex gratia of Rs.4 lakh each to the next of kin of the deceased. According to officials, the fire erupted around 3 am on the fifth floor of Prasad Hospital in the Brahmpura area, and quickly spread through the intensive care unit (ICU), situated on the same floor, filling it with dense smoke. "Five patients have died in the blaze. There are several injured persons, who are undergoing treatment at various hospitals," said Muzaffarpur district magistrate Subrata Kumar Sen, adding that at least 24 patients and attendants were on the fifth floor at the time of the incident. Prima facie, the DM said, the fire appeared to have resulted from a short circuit, but the exact cause will be ascertained after a detailed investigation. "An investigation is underway. We will carry out the necessary procedures to find out the real reason for the fire breakout," Sen added. The deceased were identified as Shashank Kumar Choudhary, Chanchla Devi, Geeta Devi, Krishnandan Singh, all residents of Muzaffarpur, and an LIC agent from Sheohar, Uday Kumar, officials said. Choudhary worked as a lower-division clerk in the finance department. Muzaffarpur SSP Kantesh Mishra said a case will be registered after recording the statements of the victims' family members or if a complaint is lodged against the hospital authority. The DM, meanwhile, ordered an inquiry into the incident. "Every aspect is being investigated. A five-member committee will probe the matter. This committee has been formed under the leadership of ADM disaster. Action will be taken on the negligence of the hospital," the DM added. Director General-cum-Commandant General of Bihar Homeguard and Fire services Sobha Ohatker said around 45 personnel and six fire tenders, including hydraulic system, were pressed into the service after receiving a call around 3.55 am. "No one died of burn injuries, but due to inhaling smoke. The fire was brought under control in about an hour," she added. Family members of some patients approached authorities claiming they were unable to trace their relatives following the fire. "I was admitted in the ICU. Suddenly smoke started rising in the ward. I immediately removed my oxygen mask and came out of the ward and informed the guard that there was a fire inside," said Radha Devi, an elderly woman admitted in the ICU ward on Wednesday....