Kozhikode fire: Team of experts inspects fire-ravaged shopping complex near bus stand

The exact cause of the fire outbreak can be confirmed only on completion of the field-level inspection and the forensic study, say Fire and Rescue Service department sources.
| Photo Credit: PTI

A team of experts comprising officials from the Electrical Inspectorate, Kerala Fire and Rescue Services and the police on Monday (May 19, 2025) commenced inspection of the shopping complex near the Kozhikode bus stand in Kerala where a massive fire broke out on Sunday. Forensic experts are also present at the spot for a separate inspection to ascertain the actual cause of fire.

The police have put in place security arrangements around the building to prevent unauthorised entry. Traders were also prevented from entering the premises citing safety reasons.

Fire and Rescue Service department sources said the total loss in the incident was around ₹75 crore as per the preliminary estimates. The exact cause of the fire outbreak could be confirmed only on completion of the field-level inspection and the forensic study, they added.

Need for fire audit

Kozhikode Mayor Beena Philip said a steering committee meeting would be convened soon to assess the situation and discuss further measures, including the need to conduct a comprehensive fire audit in all commercial buildings.

She also made it clear that prompt action would be initiated in case of any violation on the part of the traders or officials associated with the safety inspections earlier carried out at the spot.

Revenue department officials said District Collector Snehil Kumar Singh would hold a meeting soon with the district-level officers who coordinated the rescue operations on Sunday. He had already been asked to submit a report to the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) about the suspected reasons behind the incident, they said. 

As part of the legal measures, the Kasaba police registered a case and recorded the statements of some of the traders who were present at the spot on Sunday.

The police said the statement of more salesmen and merchants would be recorded after receiving the forensic report.