At least 15 newborns were killed after a fire broke out at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad on Wednesday. A fault in the hospital’s air-conditioning system is suspected to have triggered the blaze.
The fire reportedly broke out in the nursery on the third floor of the hospital’s maternal and child health ward. Sixteen newborns were inside the nursery when the incident occurred, with only one baby rescued, according to local authorities.
Rescue officials said an air-conditioner compressor reportedly exploded inside the nursery, causing the fire to spread. Firefighters managed to extinguish the blaze, while cooling operations continued at the site.
The district administration said 14 children were completely burnt in the fire. Rescue teams reached the hospital shortly after receiving the alert, deploying six fire engines and four ambulances for the emergency operation.
Authorities have formed an inquiry committee led by an additional deputy commissioner to investigate the incident. The panel will determine the exact cause of the fire and examine how the tragedy unfolded.
The incident has raised serious concerns over safety measures and emergency preparedness in hospital facilities, particularly in areas housing critically vulnerable newborns.
Further details about the victims and the circumstances surrounding the fire are expected as the investigation progresses.
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