A fire broke out early Wednesday in a nursery for newborns at a prominent government hospital in the capital of Pakistan, resulting in the tragic loss of 14 infants, as confirmed by officials from the hospital and the government.
The Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in Islamabad was home to around 15 newborns in the nursery when the fire started around 6:45 a.m. local time following an explosion of an air-conditioning unit compressor on the third floor, according to statements from hospital staff and rescue personnel.
The blaze was contained within the nursery located in the gynecology ward, with the rest of the hospital unaffected and no additional injuries reported, as indicated by witnesses and hospital authorities. TV footage displayed rescue workers utilizing ladders to access the area through shattered windows.
Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal verified the unfortunate deaths of at least 14 infants.
Dr. Aneeza Jalil, a hospital spokesperson, mentioned that only one baby was saved by a doctor. She added that six deceased babies had been handed over to their families, while the remaining bodies would be released shortly.
The tragic incident sent shockwaves and sorrow throughout the nation, prompting the deployment of police at the hospital as grieving parents and relatives congregated, some mourning while others demanded accountability and information regarding the cause of the fire and the adequacy of firefighting equipment in the nursery.
One mother, Javeria, who lost her newborn in the fire, was comforted by others outside the building. She was among many seeking answers amidst the heartbreaking scene.
Firefighters swiftly tackled the blaze, and rescue teams initiated cooling procedures at the location, as reported by local media. Islamabad Chief Commissioner Suhail Ashraf declared that the fire had been extinguished, with authorities collaborating with the affected families.
Following the incident, an investigative committee comprising multiple agencies was appointed by the Islamabad district magistrate, with instructions to present a report within 24 hours. The committee’s mandate includes probing the fire’s origin and spread, assessing the presence of adequate fire safety measures, and evaluating the emergency response, as per a government notification.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy involving children, emphasizing the irreplaceable loss suffered. President Asif Ali Zardari also extended condolences to the affected families, labeling the deaths as heartbreaking and irremediable.
Zardari emphasized the necessity of identifying and holding those responsible accountable under the law, urging hospitals to ensure robust fire safety protocols and emergency procedures, particularly in units caring for newborns.
PIMS, a prominent public hospital in Islamabad, was previously in the spotlight for conducting a medical examination of the incarcerated former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
