Major Fire Breaks Out at Prominent Kozhikode Hospital
A significant fire emergency occurred at Baby Memorial Hospital in Kozhikode, Kerala on Saturday morning, creating panic but ultimately resulting in no casualties or injuries. The incident took place around 9:15 am on the ninth floor of the hospital's C-block, where air-conditioning panels were installed.
Swift Response and Evacuation Measures
Hospital staff demonstrated remarkable presence of mind by immediately initiating firefighting measures before the arrival of professional fire service personnel. According to Fire and Rescue Services officials, the blaze erupted during ongoing maintenance work on the floor.
Five fire tenders were rapidly deployed to combat the spreading flames in what became a coordinated emergency response operation. As a precautionary safety measure, hospital authorities made the crucial decision to evacuate patients from the seventh and eighth floors of the same C-block.
Containment and Official Response
The combined efforts of hospital staff and firefighting professionals proved effective, with the fire being completely extinguished by approximately 10 am - less than 45 minutes after it began. Fire officers have preliminarily indicated that the blaze originated from the air-conditioning panels, though further inspections are underway to determine the exact cause.
Kozhikode MP M K Raghavan visited the hospital shortly after the incident and provided reassurance to the public. "The fire is completely doused, and no untoward incident has been reported. Luckily, no casualties were reported," the MP stated.
The state's Health Minister, Veena George, demonstrated immediate concern by speaking directly with hospital authorities about the emergency situation. Her office released an official statement confirming that "Directions have been given to the Kozhikode Medical College to keep ICU and ventilator facilities ready if any patients are required to be moved."
The incident highlights the importance of robust emergency protocols in healthcare facilities, with the successful evacuation underscoring the preparedness of Baby Memorial Hospital staff during critical situations.
