Naveed Ahmad Khan
ISLAMABAD, August 26: At least 14 newborn babies were killed when a fire broke out in the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) ward of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad early Wednesday morning, officials confirmed.
The fire erupted at around 6:45–7:00 a.m. on the third floor of the hospital’s gynaecology and mother-and-child ward. Hospital officials said at least 15 newborns were present in the nursery when the blaze broke out, while one baby was rescued by a doctor.
According to the Capital Emergency Service and CDA Fire Department, the fire call was received at 6:54 a.m. Rescue and firefighting teams reached PIMS within seven minutes. Six fire brigade units and four ambulances were deployed to control the blaze and assist in the rescue operation.
Initial reports indicated that the fire may have been caused by an electrical short circuit or a malfunction involving an air-conditioning unit. Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal later said the incident followed a blast in the air conditioner. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the newborns and ordered an immediate investigation. An inquiry committee has been constituted to examine the cause of the fire, the adequacy of fire-safety arrangements and the emergency response.
The tragedy prompted grief and anger among relatives gathered outside the hospital, with affected families demanding accountability and answers about safety arrangements in the ward.
President Asif Ali Zardari also expressed condolences to the bereaved families and stressed the need for effective fire-safety and emergency procedures, particularly in hospital wards caring for newborns.
The incident has raised renewed concerns about fire-safety standards, emergency preparedness and management of public-sector hospitals. Officials have said the investigation will determine responsibility and whether negligence or shortcomings in safety arrangements contributed to the tragedy.
