Islamabad, Pakistan — At least 14 newborn babies have died after a devastating fire swept through the neonatal ward of a major government hospital in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad.
The fire broke out early Wednesday morning at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), one of the country’s largest public hospitals. The blaze erupted on the third floor of the Mother and Child Health ward, where newborn babies were receiving critical care.
Hospital officials said 15 newborns were in the nursery when the fire started, with only one baby successfully rescued.
Emergency teams, including firefighters and ambulances, rushed to the hospital after the alarm was raised at about 6:45 a.m. local time. Six fire engines and four ambulances were deployed during the rescue operation, according to Islamabad authorities.
The flames were eventually brought under control, while rescue workers continued cooling operations to prevent the fire from reigniting.
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Air-conditioning unit suspected
Initial reports indicate that the fire may have started after an air-conditioning compressor exploded inside the nursery. The presence of oxygen equipment in the ward reportedly intensified the blaze.
However, authorities have stressed that the exact cause of the fire has not yet been conclusively established. Other early reports have suggested an electrical fault, making the ongoing investigation particularly important.
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The newborns who died were reportedly either inside incubators or receiving oxygen at the time of the incident, leaving them especially vulnerable to the rapidly spreading fire.
Families gather outside hospital
The tragedy has sparked scenes of grief outside the hospital, with relatives gathering anxiously for information about their children.
Authorities said the bodies of the deceased babies were severely burned, meaning DNA testing may be required to establish their identities before they can be released to their families.
The loss has left families devastated, with reports describing parents and relatives crying outside the hospital as rescue and forensic operations continued.
Prime Minister orders investigation
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow over the deaths and ordered an immediate investigation into the incident.
The Prime Minister said the loss of children in such circumstances was an “irreparable loss” and called for the causes of the fire to be examined thoroughly.
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He also directed authorities to identify anyone found responsible and take strict action where necessary.
An inquiry committee has been established to determine exactly how the fire started, assess whether adequate fire-safety measures were in place and examine the effectiveness of the emergency response. The committee has reportedly been given 24 hours to submit its findings.
Questions over hospital fire safety
The incident is expected to renew concerns about fire-safety standards in Pakistan’s public buildings, particularly hospitals where patients may be unable to evacuate without assistance.
The tragedy at PIMS has already raised questions about the safety of electrical and air-conditioning systems, emergency evacuation procedures and the availability of adequate fire-protection equipment in neonatal and maternity units.
For the families who arrived at the hospital expecting to care for their newborn children, Wednesday’s fire has instead become a devastating loss.
Authorities say the investigation will determine whether equipment failure, safety shortcomings or other factors contributed to the deaths.
At least 14 newborn lives have been lost, one baby has been rescued, and a nation is now waiting for answers over how such a tragedy could happen inside a hospital entrusted with protecting its most vulnerable patients.
