Overview

• A short circuit in the UPS battery unit caused a fire at the PMSSY block of Kozhikode Medical College Hospital on May 2, leading to the evacuation of 200 patients.
• Five ventilator-dependent patients died during the incident, with disputes over whether smoke inhalation contributed to their deaths.
• Post-mortem examinations have been ordered to determine the exact causes of death, as authorities and families raise questions about the circumstances.
• Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Health Minister Veena George have initiated inquiries, with multiple agencies investigating safety and infrastructure failures.
• The affected casualty ward has been sealed, and temporary emergency facilities have been established to maintain patient care during the ongoing probe.