At least 15 newborns were killed after a massive fire broke out at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) hospital in Islamabad. The blaze reportedly started inside a nursery in the hospital's gynaecology and maternity ward, with an air-conditioner compressor explosion suspected as the possible cause.
According to hospital and rescue officials, 16 newborns were present in the nursery when the fire broke out. Rescue teams managed to save one infant, while the remaining newborns died in the incident.
The fire reportedly erupted on the third floor of the mother and child health ward. Initial information indicated that a fault in the air-conditioning system may have triggered the blaze, although the exact cause is yet to be officially determined.
Emergency teams were rushed to the hospital soon after information about the fire was received. Multiple fire engines and ambulances were deployed as firefighters worked to bring the situation under control and rescue those trapped inside the affected area.
Officials said the fire was later extinguished, following which cooling operations continued at the site to prevent further damage and ensure the area was safe.
The district administration has formed an inquiry committee to investigate the Islamabad hospital fire. The committee will examine the circumstances surrounding the incident, determine the exact cause of the blaze and assess how the fire spread through the nursery.
The tragic incident has raised serious concerns over fire safety measures and emergency preparedness at healthcare facilities. Authorities are expected to conduct a detailed investigation into the suspected AC compressor explosion and other possible factors that may have contributed to the fire.
Further details are awaited as the inquiry into one of the deadliest hospital fire incidents involving newborns in Pakistan's capital continues.
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