ISLAMABAD: At least 14 infants died after a devastating fire broke out in the nursery of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad early Wednesday morning, sending shockwaves across the capital.
The tragic fire erupted at around 6:45am on the third floor of the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) ward, according to hospital and rescue officials. Initial reports suggested that an air-conditioner compressor explosion may have triggered the blaze, while other reports pointed to a possible electrical short circuit.
PIMS Chief Professor Imran Sikandar confirmed that 14 infants had died in the incident. He said one infant and several adults were rescued from the affected area.
A female doctor also reportedly managed to rescue one baby from the nursery as firefighters rushed to contain the flames.
Six fire tenders and four ambulances took part in the emergency operation. Firefighters successfully extinguished the blaze, while cooling operations continued at the hospital to prevent any further danger.
Professor Imran Sikandar said the exact cause of the fire had not yet been determined and stressed that a detailed investigation would examine every aspect of the tragedy.
An inquiry committee headed by Islamabad’s Additional Deputy Commissioner has been formed to determine how the fire started and whether any negligence or safety violations contributed to the deaths.
The incident has raised serious concerns over fire safety arrangements and emergency response systems in one of Islamabad’s major public hospitals.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep grief over the deaths of the newborn babies.
President Zardari called the loss of the infants heartbreaking and directed authorities to identify those responsible and take action according to law.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also ordered an immediate investigation, directing officials to thoroughly examine the circumstances surrounding the fire and determine responsibility.
The authorities are expected to submit findings after the inquiry, while further details about the victims and the cause of the blaze are awaited.
