Obstruction on Duty: Car Seized for Blocking Fire Tender

In Pattanakad, authorities have filed a case and seized a vehicle allegedly obstructing a fire tender en route to a hospital amid an emergency, police officials reported on Thursday.

The incident unfolded on Wednesday during a significant blaze at Tharavoor Government Hospital. Fire units from adjoining stations promptly responded, but struggled to control the fire. As additional fire tenders were deployed, one faced a delay caused by a vehicle driven by Sujith from Kodamthuruth.

Witness accounts and a video from Fire and Rescue Services showed Sujith ignoring sirens and persisting at a slow pace for several kilometres. Eventually, he made way, but only after significant delay. Police apprehended Sujith, seized his car, and are probing whether mobile phone use contributed to his distraction.