Kathmandu— A fire erupted at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad, Pakistan on Wednesday morning, claiming the lives of at least fourteen newborn babies. The fire broke out around 6:45 am local time on the third floor of PIMS’ Mother and Child Health ward, originating from an apparent explosion of an air-conditioning unit compressor within the nursery. Firefighters successfully contained the blaze, but not before a significant loss of life in the hospital's neonatal care unit.

Fire Breaks Out In Neonatal Ward

The fire began at approximately 6:45 am local time on Wednesday within the Mother and Child Health ward’s nursery. Rescue officials indicated that an explosion involving the compressor of an air-conditioning unit was the initial trigger, though a definitive cause remains under investigation. Initial reports varied regarding the number of casualties, with early figures suggesting up to fifteen deaths among sixteen infants; however, authorities later confirmed fourteen fatalities. Fifteen babies were reportedly present in the nursery at the time of the incident.

Rescue Efforts And Hospital Response

At least one baby was successfully rescued from the fire by a doctor at PIMS, according to hospital spokesperson Dr. Aneeza Jalil. She indicated that a short circuit may have contributed to the outbreak. The Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, established in 1985, serves as Islamabad’s largest public-sector hospital and features over 150 beds within its maternity ward. Notably, former Prime Minister Imran Khan received a medical checkup at PIMS just last Friday.

Government Orders Investigation

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered an immediate investigation into the fire, demanding that those found responsible be held accountable. “A tragedy involving children is an irreparable loss,” he stated, emphasizing the need for swift and severe action against those identified as culpable. A fact-finding committee has been established to determine the precise cause of the fire and assess the adequacy of the hospital’s safety systems and emergency response protocols.

The incident follows a recent pattern of safety concerns in Pakistan, including a June tragedy where fourteen children died after a tutoring center roof collapsed near Lahore. A January survey by the Capital Development Authority revealed widespread fire-safety deficiencies across Islamabad's buildings.

(With inputs from RT)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.