New Delhi, 03 May 2025: Atleast 4 patients died and 200 others were evacuated at Kozhikode Government Medical College Hospital on Friday triggering widespread panic after smoke filled the hospital’s emergency department. According to the reports, The is believed to have originated from a suspected electrical short circuit in the hospital’s UPS room around 8 PM.
The deceased have been identified as Naseera (49), Gopalan (65), Surendran (59), Gangadharan (70), and Ganga Haldar (34). Relatives allege that these deaths occurred due to asphyxiation during the evacuation process. However, hospital authorities have stated that the deaths were not directly linked to the fire.
Firefighters responded swiftly, managing to contain the situation before the fire could spread. Hospital staff and emergency responders worked together to safely move patients and essential medical equipment out of the affected area.
Although initial reports linked four fatalities to the incident, hospital officials clarified that the deaths were not caused by the fire or smoke exposure, as per a report on Manorama. They stated that the deceased had all been critically ill prior to the event. However, MLA T Siddique challenged this, claiming that at least three of the deaths may have resulted from smoke inhalation and the ensuing chaos, reported Mathrubhumi. Among the deceased was Nazira, a 44-year-old woman from Meppadi in Wayanad district.
Kerala Health Minister Veena George has ordered an immediate probe into the incident. She emphasized the need for a comprehensive report to understand the circumstances leading to the fire and the subsequent fatalities. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed deep concern, stating that such incidents should not occur in healthcare institutions and underscored the importance of stringent safety measures.
