A fire broke out early Wednesday in a neonatal nursery at a major government hospital in the capital of Pakistan, resulting in the tragic death 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 accounts from hospital and rescue officials. The fire was contained within the nursery located in the gynecology ward, with no additional injuries reported and the rest of the hospital remaining unaffected.
Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal verified the loss of at least 14 infants. Dr. Aneeza Jalil, a hospital spokesperson, mentioned that one baby was rescued by a doctor, and the bodies of six babies were returned to their families, while the remaining bodies would be released soon. The tragic incident sparked shock and sorrow nationwide, prompting the deployment of police at the hospital as grieving parents and relatives gathered seeking answers about the cause of the fire and the nursery’s firefighting preparedness.
Firefighters promptly responded to extinguish the blaze, and rescue operations began at the scene, as reported by local media. Islamabad Chief Commissioner Suhail Ashraf confirmed the fire had been put out, and efforts were underway to assist the affected families. Following the incident, an investigative committee was established by the Islamabad district magistrate to assess the circumstances of the fire, the effectiveness of fire safety measures, and the emergency response within 24 hours.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi expressed condolences over the tragic incident, labeling it an “irreparable loss.” President Asif Ali Zardari also offered sympathies to the grieving families and stressed the need for identifying and holding accountable those responsible, emphasizing the importance of robust fire safety protocols in hospitals, especially in wards caring for newborns. PIMS, a significant public hospital in Islamabad, was previously in the spotlight for conducting a medical examination of the incarcerated former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
