Fire in surgical ICU at Thiruvananthapuram Govt Medical College Hospital; major tragedy averted

Thiruvananthapuram: A fire broke out in the surgical ICU of multi-specialty block at Govt Medical College Hospital (MCH), Thiruvananthapuram, on Tuesday morning, triggering panic among patients, bystanders and visitors. However, no casualties were reported.The incident occurred around 9.30am on the second floor when a spark from a portable ventilator, suspected to have developed a short circuit, ignited a fire inside the ICU. Thick smoke soon billowed out of the ward, engulfing parts of the block. Hospital authorities said the oxygen supply to the ICU was immediately shut off, a crucial step that prevented flames from spreading further. Medical staff, security personnel and bystanders quickly evacuated patients from surgical ICU and adjacent trauma ICU and shifted them to alternative facilities. Reports indicate that around 36 patients were evacuated from there. Fire and rescue teams from Chenkalchoola and Chackai fire stations reached the hospital within minutes and brought the situation under control. Though no fatalities were reported, a few staff members experienced mild discomfort due to smoke inhalation, officials said. Mayor V V Rajesh, who visited the hospital soon after the incident, said the crisis was effectively managed. "The fire was brought under control in time, and all patients are safe. The quick coordination between hospital staff and the fire force helped avert a major tragedy," he said, adding that all critical equipment in the ICU would be inspected. "The fire originated from a portable ventilator following a suspected short circuit. The oxygen supply was immediately stopped, and patients were shifted without delay. There is no danger now, and services are being restored," medical college superintendent Dr C G Jayachandran said. Regional fire officer Abdul Rasheed K said the incident could have turned serious if not for the timely intervention. MCH resumed normal operations soon after the incident. Authorities have ordered a detailed inspection of electrical systems and life-support equipment across critical care units to prevent such incidents in the future. Minister praises coordination of doctors, staff: In a statement, health minister Veena George said there were coordinated efforts from doctors and staff to ensure that no untoward incidents happened. Acting on the minister's instructions, additional chief secretary (health and family welfare) Rajan Khobragade and the minister's private secretary reached the spot. All patients were safely relocated within 30 minutes with full safety precautions in place, the minister said in the statement.