The administration of Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) has rejected CDA report regarding inaccessible emergency exits during the deadly fire in the children’s nursery ward in Islamabad, saying all emergency exits were open and functional at the time of the incident.
According to the hospital administration, staff members and emergency responders put their lives at risk to rescue newborns, children and other patients after the fire broke out.
PIMS said the fire started at around 6:38am after a spark ignited inside the nursery and quickly intensified due to the presence of oxygen points.
The administration said a powerful explosion occurred at 6:39am, causing the ceiling to collapse. It added that the exact cause of the fire and the circumstances leading to the incident will be determined through ongoing investigations.
Two doctors and two nurses present in the nursery immediately launched a rescue operation after the fire broke out.
PIMS said one newborn was rescued from the nursery, while four children were evacuated from an adjoining room. Three mothers were also moved to safety.
The administration said doctors, nurses, medical staff and security personnel risked their lives while trying to save patients trapped in the affected area. The evacuation operation was extended to the gynaecology ward located on the same floor.
According to PIMS, 73 gynaecology patients were safely evacuated within a few minutes, helping prevent further loss of life and property.
The hospital administration praised the doctors, nurses, security personnel, medical staff and emergency responders for their quick response during the crisis. PIMS said all available fire safety equipment was used to control the blaze.
The administration stated that 35 fire extinguishers were deployed during the firefighting operation, along with other available safety equipment.
It also rejected claims that emergency exits were blocked or inaccessible, maintaining that all emergency exits were fully open and functional when the fire occurred.
PIMS said investigations into the incident are continuing at various forums. The final investigation will determine the exact cause of the fire and identify those responsible, if any.
The administration stressed that its account is based on the initial findings and that the final report will establish the complete circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
The hospital administration expressed condolences to the families who lost their newborn children in the fire.
PIMS said it shares the grief of the bereaved families and acknowledged the efforts of doctors, nurses, medical workers, security staff and emergency responders who attempted to save patients during the incident.
The administration reiterated that a transparent investigation is underway and that it will determine responsibility after the findings are finalised.
Also read: CDA probe blames locked PIMS exits but stays silent on rescue response failures