Multiple probes into the May 18, 2025, shopping complex fire at Kozhikode's mofussil bus stand are underway, with initial findings pointing to significant safety lapses and violations of building rules. The blaze, which caused an estimated ₹40 crore to ₹75 crore in damages, raged for over ten hours, requiring the intervention of special fire units and breaching parts of the structure to combat the flames.
The investigation, led by the District Collector, is examining reports from the Fire and Rescue Services and the Electrical Inspectorate. Authorities have confirmed that at least one establishment, Calicut Textiles, which was reportedly where the fire began, did not possess a mandatory fire safety No Objection Certificate (NOC). This revelation has intensified scrutiny on the building's safety protocols.
Corporation's Role Under Scrutiny
The Kozhikode Corporation has itself established an internal inquiry committee to probe the fire's origins and assess potential failures within the civic body. Mayor Beena Philip acknowledged the corporation's inadequacy in conducting regular fire audits for commercial buildings. The committee, comprising senior corporation officials, is also investigating alleged encroachments on setback areas that may have impeded the Fire and Rescue Services' access.
A retired Fire and Rescue Services official underscored the urgency for more frequent joint inspections by the district administration to identify high-risk locations and violations. The state government's recent decision to extend the validity of fire safety NOCs to five years, instead of annual reassessment, has also drawn criticism from within the fire services, who view it as a risk that weakens established safety mechanisms.
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The fire at the shopping complex, which houses numerous commercial outlets including a textile hub and a pharmacy, highlights recurring safety concerns. Onlookers noted the difficulty firefighters faced in accessing the interior of the glass-enclosed building, necessitating the use of heavy machinery to break through panes and walls. Fortunately, as the incident occurred on a holiday, there were no reported casualties. Police preliminary findings have dismissed allegations of foul play or business disputes as the cause of the fire.
A Pattern of Concern
This incident is not an isolated event, as calls for a comprehensive fire audit across various building types in Kozhikode have intensified in the wake of recurrent fire incidents. The district has seen increasing concerns over safety preparedness, prompting demands for coordinated efforts to address potential hazards in high-rises, hospitals, and commercial establishments.
