A fire broke out early on Wednesday in a neonatal nursery at a major government hospital in Pakistan’s capital, resulting in the tragic deaths of 14 infants, as confirmed by hospital officials and government authorities. The Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in Islamabad had 15 newborns in the nursery when the fire started around 6:45 a.m. local time due to an explosion of an air-conditioning unit compressor on the third floor of the hospital, according to reports from hospital and rescue officials.
The fire was contained within the nursery located in the gynecology ward, with no injuries reported outside the nursery. Emergency responders were seen using ladders to access the affected area through broken windows. Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal verified the loss of 14 infants in the incident.
Dr. Aneeza Jalil, a hospital spokesperson, mentioned that one baby was successfully rescued, with six of the deceased infants already handed over to their families. The bodies of the remaining babies were set to be released to their families shortly.
The tragic event caused a wave of sorrow and shock nationwide, leading to a police presence at the hospital as grieving families sought answers and accountability regarding the cause of the fire and the adequacy of firefighting equipment in the nursery.
Firefighters swiftly responded to extinguish the blaze, and rescue operations commenced at the scene. The Islamabad Chief Commissioner stated that the fire was under control, and authorities were collaborating with the affected families. Following the incident, a multiagency fact-finding committee was established by the Islamabad district magistrate to investigate the fire’s origin, assess fire safety measures, and review the emergency response within 24 hours.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed condolences over the heartbreaking incident involving children, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation. President Asif Ali Zardari also extended sympathies to the bereaved families and urged for the identification and legal action against those responsible, emphasizing the importance of stringent fire safety protocols in hospitals, especially in units caring for newborns.
PIMS, a prominent public hospital in Islamabad, had recently been in the spotlight for conducting a medical examination of the incarcerated former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
