Kozhikode Medical College fire: Minister Veena George says UPS unit exploded; special team to study deaths

Kozhikode: An investigation is underway into the recent fire at the emergency department of Kozhikode Medical College Hospital, which resulted in five deaths.

Kerala Health Minister Veena George said on Saturday that a preliminary report submitted by the Public Works Department’s electrical wing identified an explosion in the Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) unit used for the MRI machine as the cause.

“The explosion was caused by a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) unit used for the MRI machine,” George said.

Initial assessments suggest that the smoke may have been caused either by a short circuit or a battery malfunction. Forensic officials and the state electrical inspectorate are conducting parallel investigations.

“A definitive cause can be confirmed only after their reports are received,” the minister added.

Police have registered two cases—one related to the explosion and another pertaining to the unnatural deaths. At the time of the incident, 151 patients were in the emergency ward. Of those, 114 continue to receive treatment at the hospital, while 37 have been transferred to other facilities. George said that critically ill patients on ventilator support were relocated in strict accordance with medical protocol.

According to the minister, five deaths occurred in connection with the incident, including one patient who was declared dead on arrival.

“A special medical team will investigate the deaths. The team will consist of experts from other medical colleges,” she said. The emergency wing is expected to resume operations within three days. Electricity supply will be restored by Saturday evening, and the old casualty block will remain operational in the interim.

A team of doctors will also assess the conditions of patients who were shifted to private hospitals. George assured the public that no patient would be denied care. She also confirmed that allegations regarding a locked emergency exit during the incident would be included in the investigation.