Ramanathapuram, January 2, 2025
A fire broke out at the government medical college in Ramanathapuram, Tamil Nadu, on Wednesday evening, causing panic among students, staff, and patients in the vicinity. The incident reportedly occurred in the administrative block of the college, with thick smoke seen billowing from the building.
Firefighters and rescue teams were rushed to the scene to contain the blaze and ensure the safety of those inside. Initial reports suggest that the fire may have been caused by an electrical short circuit, though officials are yet to confirm the exact cause.
“The fire started suddenly, and we heard alarms ringing. We were immediately evacuated,” said a medical student who was present in the building at the time.
Thankfully, no casualties have been reported so far, and all staff and students were safely evacuated. However, significant damage to office equipment and records in the affected area has been noted.
District Collector Senthil Kumar visited the site to oversee the situation and assured the public of a thorough investigation. “We will examine the safety protocols and ensure such incidents are prevented in the future,” he said.
The fire department has now brought the situation under control, but the college premises have been temporarily closed for a safety inspection. Authorities have appealed to the public not to speculate and await an official report.
This incident has raised concerns about fire safety measures in public institutions, with local residents urging the administration to strengthen fire prevention protocols across all government facilities.
