Woman Killed in Building Collapse at Kottayam Medical College Hospital

Kottayam: A 52-year-old woman died on Thursday morning after a section of the old building at Kottayam Medical College Hospital collapsed. The victim, Bindu, a native of Thalayolaparambu, had arrived at the hospital with her daughter for treatment.
The incident occurred around 10:30 a.m., when a portion of the toilet in Ward 14 of the old hospital structure gave way. Rescue efforts were initially hampered as the site was surrounded by buildings, making it difficult to bring in heavy machinery. Authorities later dismantled the gate to allow entry for three JCB excavators. Bindu was found trapped beneath the debris during the clearing operation. She was rushed to the emergency department but succumbed to her injuries.
Two others sustained injuries in the incident. Aleena Vincent (11), a resident of Vazhavettapackam, Peruthanath, Vazhikkadavu, Wayanad, was injured in the collapse. Amal Pradeep (21), a hospital staff member from Karuthedam, Villooni, Kottayam, suffered minor injuries amid the commotion at the site.
Health Minister Veena George and Minister V. N. Vasavan visited the scene and assessed the situation. The Health Minister stated that the collapsed building had already been closed, and a new facility—funded by the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB)—had been completed. She added that arrangements were being made to shift all operations to the new building.
Minister Vasavan noted that the damaged room had been locked and was being used to store old materials. He confirmed that the accident occurred when people moved close to the disused structure.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud noise as the structure collapsed. The building earlier housed the Orthopaedic Surgery Department and included the now-damaged toilet. Rajan Khobragade, Additional Chief Secretary of the Health Department, was also present at the site.
Rescue and inspection operations are ongoing under the supervision of the Fire and Rescue Services and the Gandhinagar Police.