Fire at Medical College: Ventilator exploded due to overheating

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: It has been found that the recent fire at the Medical College Hospital was caused by the explosion of an overheated portable ventilator. The finding was confirmed after an inspection by the Electrical Inspectorate. The report has been submitted to hospital authorities. The explosion occurred in a portable ventilator kept in the Surgical ICU on the first floor of the multi-speciality block. Officials said the battery overheated, which led to the blast and the fire.

The report also said the machine was under an annual maintenance contract. However, since it was completely damaged in the fire, a new ventilator will have to be purchased. Staff said portable ventilators are often used across different switchboards. They also noted that plugs sometimes become loose. They have requested a detailed check of this issue. However, it was found that the plug was not damaged in the recent fire.

Hospital authorities have written to the Public Works Department (PWD) to rebuild the completely destroyed Surgical ICU and repair the partially damaged Neuro ICU nearby. The work will be carried out jointly by the building and electrical wings of the PWD. All ICUs in the five-storey multi-speciality block were evacuated after the incident, except the MD ICU and Respiratory ICU on the second floor. A detailed inspection by the electrical department is ongoing in all ICUs. Officials said the units will reopen only after safety is fully confirmed.

Patients have been shifted to Ward Seven and the MICU. Authorities said all patients are stable.

Officials added that it may take time for the multi-speciality block to become fully operational again. Even after safety clearance, the ICUs must be sterilised before use. Many staff and helpers had entered the units during rescue work. The biomedical team will inspect the units after sterilisation before reopening.

Three more staff seek treatment
Meanwhile, three more staff members sought treatment after inhaling smoke during the fire. They reported breathing problems. They had inhaled thick smoke. Earlier, six people, including a doctor, had sought treatment on the day of the incident. The total number of people under treatment has now risen to nine.