Fire Incident at Baby Memorial Hospital, Kozhikode Highlights Need for Stronger Safety Oversight
A fire broke out on the ninth floor of Baby Memorial Hospital in Kozhikode on the morning of 29 November 2025. The incident occurred in the new C Block, where maintenance work was in progress in the area housing the air conditioning plant. Although the floor was unoccupied, the smoke spread to nearby levels, prompting the evacuation of patients from the seventh and eighth floors.
Identification of Individuals and Groups Involved
The hospital staff coordinated the evacuation of patients, attendants and healthcare workers from the affected areas. Multiple fire and rescue teams reached the location and deployed several fire tenders to control the fire. The coordinated response allowed the hospital to move people to safety before the smoke intensified.
Location and Timeline of the Fire
The fire began around mid-morning on the ninth floor of the newly constructed C Block. Firefighters brought the situation under control within an hour. Smoke ventilation followed, and hospital operations resumed gradually once the building became safe for re-entry.
Examination of the Probable Cause
Initial assessments suggest that a spark or short circuit from maintenance activity in the AC plant triggered the fire. Investigators suspect that electrical work or installation-related processes created enough heat to ignite surrounding material. An inquiry is underway to determine the exact cause.
Assessment of the Emergency Response
The hospital initiated an immediate evacuation soon after the fire was detected. Fire services acted quickly, preventing flame spread to other floors. Their response limited structural damage and prevented injuries. No casualties have been reported. The hospital and the district administration have begun a structured review of the event as part of their emergency protocol.
Implications for Hospital Safety
This incident underscores how maintenance activity, particularly electrical or AC-system work, in a hospital setting can pose serious fire hazards if not managed with strict safety protocols. Hospitals, especially multi-storey ones, are complex facilities where vulnerabilities from ignition sources (electrical, welding, AC plant) can translate quickly into life-threatening scenarios, especially given the presence of vulnerable patients.
Even though in this instance the affected block was unoccupied, the rapid spread of smoke to nearby floors demonstrated the potential risk to patients, staff, and visitors. The successful, casualty-free outcome was due to coordinated evacuation, preparedness, and timely firefighting, highlighting the importance of disaster readiness in healthcare settings.
Broader Lessons for Healthcare Infrastructure
Strict fire safety measures during maintenance: Maintenance or installation work in hospitals should follow rigorous safety protocols. Working on electrical/AC systems must ideally happen in unoccupied zones, with fire-safe procedures and oversight.
Robust fire detection, alarm and evacuation systems: Given how fast smoke spreads, having functional fire alarms, smoke detectors, clear evacuation routes and trained staff are critical.
Routine audits and risk assessments: Hospitals, especially older or large ones, should periodically audit electrical and HVAC systems, ensure compliance with fire codes, and maintain clear records.
Training and disaster drills for hospital staff: Regular drills for fire evacuation, safe shifting of critical patients (post-operative, ICU), and communication protocols between hospital staff and emergency services can make a life-saving difference.
Conclusion
Authorities have started a detailed investigation to identify safety gaps and evaluate the condition of electrical and HVAC systems. The incident serves as a reminder that even maintenance zones require the same vigilance as clinical areas. Systematic safety audits, proper scheduling of technical work and continuous staff preparedness remain essential for preventing future incidents.
(Rh/SS/MSM)
