A devastating fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad has killed 14 newborn babies, while one infant was rescued alive, according to hospital officials and Pakistani authorities.
The blaze broke out early Wednesday in the nursery on the third floor of the hospital’s Mother and Child Centre. At least 15 newborns were reportedly in the affected ward when the fire began.
Rescue teams and firefighters responded quickly, using fire engines and ambulances to contain the blaze and evacuate patients. The fire was eventually brought under control, while the affected area was secured for further investigation.
Officials have given differing preliminary accounts of what caused the fire. Some rescue sources said an air-conditioning unit compressor exploded, while a PIMS spokesperson described an electrical short circuit as the apparent cause. Investigators are expected to determine the exact cause.
The tragedy has triggered grief and anger among families of the victims, with relatives demanding answers about the hospital’s fire-safety measures and emergency response procedures. Reports also noted that renovation work was underway in parts of the building.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered an immediate investigation and called for those responsible to face the strictest action if wrongdoing is established. Authorities have formed a fact-finding committee to investigate the cause of the fire, assess safety measures and review the emergency response.
The incident is being described as one of the deadliest hospital fires in Pakistan in recent years and has renewed concerns about safety standards in facilities caring for vulnerable patients, particularly newborns.
Authorities are continuing to work with the affected families as the investigation proceeds and officials assess whether failures in fire prevention, equipment or emergency procedures contributed to the deaths.
Swifteradio.com
