Partial Building Collapse at Kottayam Medical College

Kottayam: A partial building collapse occurred on Thursday morning at the Government Medical College Hospital in Kottayam, injuring three individuals. The incident took place around 10:30 to 11:00 AM in the rear section of a disused bathroom adjacent to Ward 14, which had been closed for some time. Initial reports confirm that none of the injuries are serious.

According to eyewitnesses, a loud noise was heard as part of the old structure gave way. The collapsed section belongs to an unused building that formerly housed the Orthopaedic Surgery Department and a bathroom unit. No patients or staff were inside the collapsed portion at the time of the incident, and preliminary assessments indicate that no one is trapped under the debris.

Health Minister Veena George and Minister V. N. Vasavan visited the site shortly after the incident. Speaking to the media, Minister George confirmed that the building was not in use and had been sealed off. A new building has already been constructed to replace the old structure, she said, adding that evacuation from the nearby areas had been carried out as a precaution. “Further technical assessments will be conducted before providing more details,” the Minister added.

Additional Chief Secretary for Health Rajan Khobragade also arrived at the scene to oversee the situation. Fire and Rescue Services along with the Gandhinagar Police are conducting a detailed investigation into the structural failure. Officials are inspecting the area to ensure there are no further risks of collapse.