A devastating fire at a maternity ward in Islamabad, Pakistan, has resulted in the deaths of at least 14 infants. The blaze occurred at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), one of the country's largest public hospitals. Local broadcaster Geo TV reported that the fire is believed to have originated from a fault in an air conditioning system.
The nursery, located within the gynaecology ward, housed at least 15 newborns when the fire erupted around 6:45 a.m. local time. Firefighters responded quickly to extinguish the blaze and evacuate patients. At least one baby was rescued from the affected ward.
Emergency responders reported that 19 people in total were rescued from the fire, including ten women, seven children, and two men. Those injured have been transferred to the intensive care unit.
The newborns who perished in the fire sustained severe burns, necessitating DNA tests for identification before their bodies can be released to their families, according to local police. This process has led to emotional scenes outside the hospital as parents await the return of their children.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed profound sorrow over the incident and has ordered an immediate investigation. "Such a situation with children is irreparable," Sharif stated, extending his condolences to the affected families. Islamabad's District Magistrate has established a fact-finding committee tasked with determining the cause of the fire, with a report expected within 24 hours.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns about fire safety standards in Pakistan. In recent months, several other fires have resulted in significant casualties, including a blaze at a customs warehouse in Balochistan province that injured at least 43 people, an inferno at Karachi's Gul Plaza that killed 67, and an explosion at a glue-making factory in Faisalabad that left 18 workers dead.
