Kozhikode, Kerala: Authorities at Kozhikode Medical College have refuted allegations that five patient deaths on Friday were caused by a smoke incident inside the hospital. They maintained that the deceased were either critically ill or already dead before the event unfolded.

What hospital authorities claim?

One of the deceased was already dead on arrival, and the others were in extremely critical condition, hospital sources claimed.

Among the five, one had attempted suicide by hanging and was declared dead upon arrival. Another had advanced oral cancer. One patient was suffering from a severe infection due to low blood count, while another was being treated for acute liver and kidney failure. The fifth, who was diagnosed with pneumonia, was also in critical condition.

Two of the patients, including a woman from Wayanad who had consumed poison, were admitted after the afternoon and had reportedly been shifted before the smoke spread.

Post-mortem examinations will be conducted in the cases involving attempted hanging and poisoning. “Further actions regarding the others will be decided after discussions with their relatives,” said the Medical College Principal.

MLA alleges mishandling, families question response

The official explanation came after MLA T Siddique alleged that the deaths were linked to the smoke incident, based on accounts from relatives who claimed the patients died while being shifted from ventilators. Some relatives also criticised the hospital’s preparedness and response to the emergency, describing it as inadequate.

Fire and rescue services, police, electrical staff, and doctors collaborated to manage the situation. Multiple fire service units were present, according to the Medical Superintendent.

Emergency response and patient relocations

The smoke, which reportedly stemmed from the UPS room in the casualty block around 8 p.m., led to immediate evacuation procedures. Witnesses, including hospital staff, reported hearing a loud blast followed by dense smoke that caused panic in the area.

There was a loud blast, and then we couldn’t see anything, said several doctors and nurses on duty.

Over 200 patients were relocated to adjacent buildings within the medical college campus, while around 30 patients opted to move to private hospitals. The remaining were accommodated at Beach Hospital, where a team from the Medical College was deployed to continue treatment. Officials said all necessary arrangements were made and the old casualty wing has been temporarily repurposed to handle emergency cases.

Health Minister orders inquiry

Health Minister Veena George has directed the Director of Medical Education to conduct a detailed probe into the incident. She also instructed that patients be relocated safely and assured that Beach Hospital is fully equipped for emergencies, including access to Medical College doctors.