ISLAMABAD: At least 14 newborn babies died after a fire broke out in the nursery of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad early Wednesday morning.
The fire started at around 6:45 a.m. on August 26 on the third floor of the Mother and Child Centre, which houses the hospital’s gynaecology and maternity facilities.
Fire Breaks Out at PIMS Nursery
According to rescue officials and hospital authorities, the fire started inside the nursery where newborn babies received medical care.
Officials initially linked the incident to an electrical fault. Health authorities later said an air-conditioning unit compressor exploded, which may have triggered the blaze. Investigators will determine the exact cause.
The nursery housed at least 15 newborns when the fire started. Rescue teams managed to save one baby, while 14 others died.
Firefighters quickly reached the hospital and brought the blaze under control. The Islamabad administration said six fire brigade vehicles and four ambulances joined the rescue operation.
PM Shehbaz Orders Immediate Investigation
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered an immediate investigation into the PIMS hospital fire and directed authorities to identify those responsible if the inquiry finds negligence.
President Asif Ali Zardari also expressed condolences to the families and called for stronger fire safety measures and emergency protocols in hospitals.
Authorities have formed an inquiry process to determine the cause of the fire and examine the hospital’s fire safety arrangements and emergency response.
Investigation Underway
Officials have not yet released a final report on what caused the fire. Early accounts have mentioned both an electrical short circuit and an air-conditioning compressor explosion.
The incident has raised concerns about fire prevention, emergency evacuation procedures and safety arrangements in hospital nurseries, where newborns often require incubators, oxygen and other critical support.
PIMS is one of Islamabad’s largest public-sector hospitals and provides specialised healthcare services to patients from the capital and surrounding areas.
Authorities continue to investigate the incident and assess the hospital’s safety arrangements.
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