ISLAMABAD: A devastating fire erupted at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), the capital city’s premier state-run health facility, resulting in the tragic deaths of 14 newborn infants on Wednesday morning.
The blaze broke out around 7:00 AM local time on the third floor of the hospital’s Mother and Child Health (MCH) ward, specifically engulfing the neonatal intensive care unit and gynaecology department.
AC Compressor Explosion Suspected
Preliminary investigations and rescue officials indicate that the fire was likely triggered by a sudden explosion in an air-conditioner compressor within the nursery. Official sources confirmed that 16 newborns were inside the incubators when the fire broke out. Rescuers were able to save only one child alive, while 14 infants tragically lost their lives due to severe burns and smoke inhalation.
Safety Lapses Alleged
Six fire tenders and four ambulances rushed to the spot to extinguish the blaze and carry out cooling operations. However, grieving parents and eyewitnesses alleged critical safety lapses, claiming that hospital staff were absent from the room when the fire started and that fire-fighting equipment at the venue was non-functional.
Government Orders Inquiry
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari expressed deep grief over the horrific incident, calling the loss of infant lives an “irreparable loss.” Prime Minister Sharif ordered an immediate investigation to pinpoint responsibility and identify structural failures. A high-level fact-finding committee, led by the Additional Deputy Commissioner General, has been tasked with submitting a comprehensive report within 24 hours.
