A blaze broke out early Wednesday in a neonatal unit at a major government hospital in Pakistan’s capital, resulting in the tragic deaths of 14 newborns, as confirmed by hospital authorities and the government. The Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in Islamabad was accommodating approximately 15 infants in the unit when the fire started. While one baby was rescued, Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal verified the loss of 14 lives.
The fire, triggered by an explosion of an air-conditioning unit compressor in the gynecology ward’s nursery, started around 6:45 a.m. local time. Prompt response from firefighters led to the extinguishing of the flames, followed by cooling operations by rescue teams. Islamabad Chief Commissioner Suhail Ashraf later announced that the fire had been put out, with authorities now aiding the affected families.
The Islamabad district magistrate swiftly appointed a multiagency fact-finding committee to investigate the incident within 24 hours. This committee will assess the cause of the fire, its progression, the adequacy of fire safety measures, and the efficiency of emergency response protocols.
Expressing deep sorrow over the tragedy, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the irreparable loss caused by the incident. Sharif demanded an immediate inquiry into the matter. President Asif Ali Zardari also offered condolences, labeling the deaths as heartbreaking and calling for accountability and enhanced fire safety measures in hospitals, particularly in units caring for newborns.
The heartbreaking incident prompted an outpouring of grief nationwide, with police presence at the hospital as grieving families sought answers and accountability. Mohammad Sami, a mother who had recently given birth, tearfully expressed her devastation at losing her child in the fire. Hospital officials assured families that the bodies would be released after necessary procedures were completed.
Health Minister Kamal disclosed his plans to oversee the investigation personally, highlighting the presence of health officials at PIMS, one of Islamabad’s prominent public hospitals. The authorities are focused on supporting the affected families and facilitating the return of the infants’ remains to their parents.