At least 15 newborns were killed after a fire broke out at a hospital in Pakistan’s capital Islamabad, according to initial reports.
The fire reportedly erupted at around 7 am in the gynaecology ward of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS). Preliminary information suggests that an air-conditioning compressor inside the nursery may have exploded, triggering the blaze.
The nursery reportedly had 16 newborns at the time of the incident, raising concerns over how the fire spread and the circumstances that led to the deaths.
Rescue Teams Rush to Hospital
Soon after the fire was reported, rescue teams reached the hospital and began efforts to control the blaze and evacuate people from the affected area.
Rescue officials later said the fire had been brought under control. Teams were also conducting cooling operations at the site to prevent any further danger.
Authorities are now investigating the circumstances surrounding the fire, including the reported compressor blast and the events inside the nursery at the time.
Investigation Into Newborn Deaths
Officials are expected to examine the hospital’s safety arrangements, the condition of the air-conditioning equipment and the response to the fire as part of the investigation.
The incident has raised serious questions about fire safety and emergency preparedness in hospital facilities, particularly in areas housing newborn babies who require immediate medical assistance during an emergency.
PIMS is one of Islamabad’s major government hospitals and has treated several high-profile Pakistani political figures. Former Prime Minister Imran Khan was previously taken to the hospital for a medical examination following a court-ordered health check-up.
Further details about the cause of the fire and the circumstances surrounding the deaths are awaited as the investigation continues.
