Major fire breaks out in Thiruvananthapuram MCH, patients evacuated

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A major fire broke out in the Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital. The fire broke out near the surgical ICU of the multispecialty block Tuesday morning. No one sustained any injuries as the patients were quickly shifted to other places. Medical College Hospital authorities said the fire is under control. Steps to shift other patients and equipment from the fire-hit block are progressing.

The fire broke out at around 9:30 this morning. As the plastic equipment caught fire, thick smoke filled the entire block. This caused great distress to the patients and the bystanders. Many were seen panicking and screaming. The rescue operations were carried out by the bystanders and the employees who saw the fire. They broke the glass doors and brought the patients out from the ICU. The patients were immediately shifted to the ICU of the medical college. Hospital authorities said their health condition is satisfactory.

In the meantime, more fire force units from places including Chakkai reached the spot. Their efforts prevented the fire from spreading to other areas. The initial conclusion is that short circuit was the cause of the fire. A ventilator in the ICU caught fire. A major disaster was averted because the oxygen line to it was disconnected. Many including mayor V V Rajesh reached the spot.