Islamabad, August 26: A heartbreaking incident has emerged from Islamabad, Pakistan. Local media reports indicate that a devastating fire broke out in the gynecology ward of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), resulting in the tragic deaths of at least 15 newborn infants.
According to PIMS officials, there were 16 newborns in the nursery at the time of the fire. Only one infant was rescued from the affected area, while the others perished in the flames. Major Pakistani media outlet Geo TV reported that the fire reportedly started around 6:45 AM due to an air conditioner’s compressor explosion.
Rescue officials stated that fire-fighting teams arrived at the hospital and quickly began operations to control the blaze. Even after extinguishing the fire, teams continued cooling operations on-site to prevent any possibility of reignition. The district administration reported that 14 infants were completely burned in the fire, which occurred on the third floor of the Mother and Child Health (MCH) ward. Immediate action was taken by rescue personnel upon learning of the incident.
The district administration deployed six fire brigade vehicles and four ambulances as part of the emergency response. This tragic event has raised serious concerns regarding safety measures in the hospital, particularly in wards housing vulnerable newborns. In response, the district administration has formed an inquiry committee, led by the additional deputy commissioner, to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fire.
Officials stated that the investigation will seek to uncover the conditions that led to the deaths of the newborns and will review the actions taken during the emergency. Further information regarding the incident and the inquiry committee’s findings is awaited.
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