A fire broke out in a newborn nursery at a prominent government hospital in Pakistan’s capital, resulting in the tragic death of 14 infants, as confirmed by hospital authorities and government officials. The Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in Islamabad was housing 15 newborns in the nursery when the fire started. Although one baby was rescued, Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal verified the unfortunate loss of 14 infants.
The fire, which originated from an explosion of an air-conditioning unit compressor in the gynecology ward nursery, ignited at approximately 6:45 a.m. local time. Firefighters promptly responded and extinguished the flames, while rescue teams initiated cooling operations at the scene. Following the containment of the fire, Islamabad Chief Commissioner Suhail Ashraf assured that the situation was under control, with authorities working closely with affected families.
In response to the incident, the Islamabad district magistrate promptly established a multiagency fact-finding committee tasked with investigating the fire’s cause, its progression, the adequacy of fire safety measures in place, and the effectiveness of emergency responses. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, emphasizing the irreparable loss associated with a tragedy involving children. Prime Minister Sharif promptly ordered an immediate investigation into the matter.
President Asif Ali Zardari extended condolences to the grieving families, labeling the deaths as heartbreaking and emphasizing the need for accountability. Zardari urged for the identification and legal actions against those responsible for the incident. The devastating loss of lives evoked profound shock and sorrow across the nation, prompting heightened security measures at the hospital as bereaved families sought answers and justice.
The hospital assured families that the bodies of the deceased infants would be released after completing necessary formalities. Health Minister Kamal announced his personal supervision of the investigation, affirming that efforts were underway to support the affected families and facilitate the return of the infants’ remains. Hospital officials, along with the director-general of health and federal health secretary, were actively engaged in managing the aftermath of the tragic incident at PIMS, one of Islamabad’s primary public healthcare facilities.
A sense of deep mourning enveloped the country as families grappled with the loss of their little ones, emphasizing the critical need for stringent fire safety protocols, especially in wards catering to newborns. Amid the outpouring of grief and demands for accountability, the immediate focus remained on providing solace to grieving parents and ensuring a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the devastating fire.
