While authorities from the hospital and the health department denied any casualties linked directly to incident, Kalpetta MLA Siddique claimed three lives were lost due to the incident.
Published May 03, 2025 | 12:31 AM ⚊ Updated May 03, 2025 | 12:31 AM
A fire broke out in the casualty ward of Kozhikode Medical College Hospital around 8 pm on Friday.
Synopsis: A major fire broke out at the Kozhikode Government MCH on Friday evening, forcing the emergency evacuation of over 200 people from the casualty ward. The tragedy also sparked off contradictory statements over casualties.
Chaotic scenes were witnessed out at Kozhikode Government Medical College Hospital (MCH) after a fire broke out on Friday evening. The blaze, which erupted around 8 pm near the MRI section on the ground floor, is suspected to have originated from a malfunctioning UPS system.
The incident caused panic among patients and staff, with thick smoke spreading rapidly through the ward, leading several individuals to report breathing difficulties.
Fire and Rescue Services personnel from Vellimadukkunnu and Beach stations, aided by police officers and volunteers, swiftly conducted rescue operations. A power failure around 7:20 pm is believed to have preceded the fire, adding to the chaos.
Critically ill patients were given priority during the evacuation, with at least 30 shifted to nearby private hospitals. Among them, five patients were admitted to BMH Hospital and three to Aster MIMS, where two individuals on ventilator support were urgently moved to the intensive care unit.
In response to the emergency, Health Minister Veena George announced that all night-time emergency medical services would be temporarily relocated to the Beach Hospital.
She confirmed that doctors from the Medical College would be stationed there to ensure continuous care while safety inspections were underway at the original site. The UPS room where the fire reportedly started has since been sealed by police for investigation.
While initial reports from hospital authorities and the Health Department indicated that no casualties had occurred, Kalpetta MLA T. Siddique later claimed that at least three lives were lost in the incident. His revelation sparked public concern and controversy to an already critical situation.
T. Siddique MLA speaking to the media
A controversy has erupted over the reported deaths following the incident. While authorities from the hospital and the health department have denied any casualties linked directly to the incident, Kalpetta MLA T. Siddique has claimed otherwise, asserting that at least three people lost their lives due to the mishap.
Speaking to the media, Siddique confirmed the death of Nazeera (44), a native of Meppadi, Wayanad. He stated that she died while being moved from a ventilator during the fire emergency.
“It is reported that she passed away while being shifted when smoke began to spread,” he said. Siddique added that he had interacted with the bereaved families and that the bodies had already been transferred to the mortuary. Initial reports indicated that the victims may have died from suffocation caused by smoke inhalation, he said.
In contrast, the Hospital Superintendent maintained that the fire was quickly brought under control, and no injuries were reported in its immediate aftermath.
When South First contacted MCH officials, they clarified that the four reported deaths occurred before the fire incident and were not related to it.
Dr. Sajith Kumar, Principal of the medical college, refuted Siddique’s claims, stating, ”After 7:20 pm, five deaths were reported. Of these, two patients were being treated after suicide attempts, while the other three were critically ill. Four of them were admitted earlier in the day, and one had been under treatment since Thursday.”
He added further details, ”One patient was in a critical condition after a suicide attempt, another was undergoing treatment for oral cancer, and one suffered from severe kidney and liver ailments. The Wayanad native that he referred to had consumed poison.” Dr. sajith emphasised that postmortem examinations would provide conclusive details.
Top officials including Kozhikode MP M.K. Raghavan, North MLA Thottathil Ravindran, District Collector Snehil Kumar, and Mayor Beena Philip visited the hospital to evaluate the situation.
”Everything is under control. All patients are safe,” the District Collector assured the media.
Police and fire and rescue teams during the rescue operation.
Mayor Beena Philip assured that the Beach Hospital is fully equipped to accommodate additional patients and that all essential preparations have been verified.
”There is no reason for alarm at this point,” she stated.
Meanwhile, Health and Woman & Child Development Minister Veena George has directed the Director of the Medical Education Department to conduct an immediate investigation into the Incident.
She emphasized the importance of relocating all patients safely and without causing them any discomfort.
Health Minister’s Office said that Fire Force DGP Manoj Abraham confirmed that the situation is now fully under control.
The office also added that District Collector Senthil Kumar was consulted soon after the incident and remains in coordination with the response teams.
However, MP M.K. Raghavan criticised the state government, stating that the lack of adequate infrastructure at the Beach Hospital has led to a heavier patient load at the medical college. He further alleged that the government has failed to deploy sufficient staff at the overburdened institution.
”None of the officials seemed to have a proper understanding of the incident,” he remarked, adding that electricity had yet to be restored in the affected section of the hospital.
(Edited by SF Desk)
