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KOTTAYAM, Kerala — A section of a disused three-story building at the Government Medical College Hospital in Kottayam collapsed on Thursday morning, resulting in the death of one woman and injuries to three others. The incident occurred around 10:45 am in the restroom block adjacent to ward 14, an area reportedly closed for regular use and primarily used for waste storage.
The deceased has been identified as Bindu, 52, a resident of Thalayolaparambu, Kottayam. She was at the hospital as a bystander for her daughter, who is undergoing treatment. Bindu was trapped under the rubble for nearly two hours before rescue teams located her. Despite being rushed to the hospital, she succumbed to her injuries.
The injured include Aleena (11), Amal Pradeep (20), and Jinu Saji (38), all of whom sustained minor injuries and were immediately taken to the casualty department for emergency care. All those injured were bystanders, not patients, and are believed to have entered the area to rest.
Initial confusion surrounded the rescue operation. While early reports suggested no one was trapped, Bindu was reported missing, leading to an intensified search. Eyewitnesses described hearing a heavy thud as the structure collapsed, and tense scenes unfolded as bystanders insisted that rescue efforts continue, fearing more people might be trapped.
Health Minister Veena George and Minister V N Vasavan visited the site. Minister George stated that the collapsed building had already been closed and that a new facility, funded by the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB), had been constructed and was ready for use. The administration had previously identified the building as being in a dilapidated and unsafe condition, which prompted the construction of the new block.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the collapse. Opposition leaders have raised concerns about the structural integrity of government medical college buildings and the adequacy of ongoing infrastructure maintenance. The incident comes amid broader debates over equipment shortages and infrastructure challenges in Kerala’s government hospitals.
“We received an alert at 10.55 am about people trapped inside the collapsed building. Two units were immediately dispatched from here, and we are awaiting further details. Units from the nearby stations are also dispatched,” said Ranjith Krishnan, an official at the Kottayam Fire Station.
Rescue and inspection operations are ongoing, with authorities evacuating adjacent wards as a precaution.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on information available as of July 4, 2025, from multiple news sources. Details may be subject to change as further official updates become available.
