A fire broke out early Wednesday in a nursery for newborns at a prominent government hospital in the capital of Pakistan, resulting in the tragic deaths of 14 infants, as confirmed by hospital officials and government authorities. The incident occurred at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in Islamabad, where approximately 15 newborns were being cared for 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.
The fire was contained within the nursery located in the gynecology ward, while the rest of the hospital remained unharmed, with no additional injuries reported according to witnesses and hospital staff. Television footage showed rescue personnel using ladders to access the affected area through broken windows.
Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal verified the tragic loss of 14 children in the fire. Dr. Aneeza Jalil, a hospital spokesperson, mentioned that one baby was rescued by a doctor, and the bodies of six infants were returned to their families, while the remaining bodies would be released shortly.
The heartbreaking news of the children’s deaths sparked a wave of shock and grief nationwide, leading to the deployment of police at the hospital as grieving parents and relatives gathered seeking answers and accountability regarding the incident and the adequacy of firefighting equipment in the nursery.
A swift response from firefighters led to the extinguishing of the blaze, while rescue teams initiated cooling operations at the scene as reported by local media. Islamabad Chief Commissioner Suhail Ashraf later confirmed the fire had been put out, with authorities coordinating with the affected families.
Subsequently, an investigative committee comprising multiple agencies was appointed by the Islamabad district magistrate to submit a detailed report within 24 hours. The committee’s mandate includes probing the cause and spread of the fire, assessing the presence of adequate fire safety protocols, and evaluating the emergency response, as per a government directive.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident, with Sharif ordering an immediate investigation into the matter. President Asif Ali Zardari also extended condolences to the bereaved families, labeling the deaths as “heartbreaking and irreparable.” Zardari emphasized the need for identifying and holding those responsible accountable under the law, urging hospitals to prioritize effective fire safety measures and emergency protocols, especially in units caring for newborns.
PIMS, a prominent public hospital in Islamabad, has recently been in the spotlight for conducting a medical assessment of incarcerated former Prime Minister Imran Khan.