A tragic incident unfolded early Wednesday at a government hospital in Pakistan’s capital as a fire broke out in a nursery for newborns, resulting in the unfortunate loss of 14 infants, as confirmed by hospital authorities and the government. The Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in Islamabad was home to 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, according to hospital and rescue officials. The fire was contained to the nursery within the gynecology ward, with no injuries reported elsewhere in the hospital. The swift response of firefighters helped extinguish the blaze, while rescue teams initiated cooling operations at the scene.
Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal verified the tragic death toll of 14 infants. Dr. Aneeza Jalil, a hospital spokesperson, mentioned that one baby was rescued, and the bodies of six infants have been returned to their families, with the others soon to follow. The news of the children’s demise elicited shock and sorrow nationwide, prompting the deployment of police at the hospital, where grieving parents and relatives gathered seeking answers and accountability.
A multiagency fact-finding committee was promptly established by the Islamabad district magistrate to investigate the cause of the fire, assess fire safety protocols, and evaluate the emergency response, with a report expected within 24 hours. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep sadness over the incident, emphasizing the irreparable loss when children are involved. President Asif Ali Zardari extended condolences to the bereaved families, urging identification and lawful action against those responsible, and emphasizing the need for enhanced fire safety measures in hospitals, especially in areas caring for newborns.
PIMS, a prominent public hospital in Islamabad, had recently been in the spotlight as it conducted a medical examination of imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan.