Fire Breaks Out on Ninth Floor of Private Hospital in Kozhikode

A major fire erupted at Baby Memorial Hospital in Kozhikode on Saturday morning, causing a significant emergency response. The blaze originated around 9:30 AM in the air conditioning plant located on the ninth floor, where installation work was actively in progress. Fortunately, the fire was swiftly brought under control before it could spread to other sections of the extensive hospital building.

While smoke was observed rising upwards from the ninth floor, it did not permeate the lower levels of the hospital. Crucially, there were no patients present on the specific floor where the fire broke out. As a precautionary measure, all patients and staff from the eighth floor were immediately and safely evacuated to ensure their well-being.

Emergency services were rapidly deployed, with six units from the Kerala Fire and Rescue Services arriving at the scene. Their concerted efforts led to the complete extinguishment of the fire by approximately 10:30 AM. Following a thorough assessment and ensuring safety, both staff and patients were subsequently permitted to re-enter the hospital premises.

The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation. Initial reports confirm that the affected block was empty of patients at the time of the incident, and thankfully, no casualties or injuries have been reported.

In response to the incident, Health Minister Veena George promptly contacted the authorities of Baby Memorial Hospital in Kozhikode. The hospital management assured the minister that all patients were safe. Minister George also issued instructions for the nearby medical college to prepare ICU and ventilator facilities, ready for use should there be any requirement to transfer patients.