A heartbreaking fire broke out early in the morning in the nursery ward of Islamabad’s Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) Hospital, resulting in the deaths of 15 newborn babies, while several others sustained severe burn injuries.
According to Rescue officials and hospital sources, the fire has been brought under control and cooling operations are underway. The preliminary cause of the incident is believed to be a short circuit or an air conditioner compressor explosion.
According to media reports, a sudden fire broke out in the nursery of PIMS, the largest government hospital in the federal capital Islamabad, and engulfed the entire ward within minutes. In the horrific incident, 15 newborn babies died due to suffocation and severe burns, while several injured infants were shifted to other wards for treatment.
As soon as the incident was reported, teams from Rescue 1122 and the fire brigade reached the scene and brought the blaze under control. Cooling operations were subsequently launched in the affected ward.
There are clear discrepancies in the initial reports regarding the timing and cause of the incident. One report from Rescue sources stated that the fire broke out at around 6:45 am, while other statements from Rescue officials put the time of the incident at 7:00 am.
Similarly, hospital sources said the fire was caused by an air conditioner compressor explosion in the gynaecology ward, while initial administrative reports identified a short circuit as the primary cause of the blaze.
According to internal hospital sources, the ward quickly filled with thick smoke when the fire broke out, triggering panic and chaos. During the tragic incident, a female doctor on duty, acting on her own initiative, managed to safely rescue only one baby, while there was no opportunity to evacuate the other infants.
PM Shehbaz orders immediate investigation of PIMs incident
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed deep grief and sorrow over the tragic fire at the nursery of PIMS Hospital, which claimed the lives of 14 newborn babies. The Prime Minister extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif took notice of the tragic fire incident and directed the authorities to launch an immediate investigation.
The Prime Minister said that such an incident involving innocent children was an irreparable tragedy. He ordered a detailed investigation into the causes of the incident, directed that those responsible be identified, and called for the strictest possible action against them.
“Heartbroken over this tragic incident. We share the grief of the parents and stand with them in this difficult time. May Allah Almighty grant patience and strength to the bereaved families,” the Prime Minister said.
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