ISLAMABAD: A fire in the nursery of the gynecology ward at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad killed 15 newborns Wednesday, according to hospital and rescue officials.
Rescue officials said the fire broke out at about 6:45 a.m. after an air conditioner compressor reportedly exploded. The blaze was brought under control, while cooling operations continued.
Hospital authorities said 16 babies were in the nursery when the fire started. A female doctor managed to rescue one child, while 15 others died. District administration officials said the fire broke out on the third floor of the hospital’s Mother and Child Health ward.
Six fire engines and four ambulances took part in the rescue operation, officials said. The administration formed an eight-member inquiry committee headed by the additional deputy commissioner to determine the cause of the fire.
The committee includes senior officials from emergency services, police, the Capital Development Authority, Islamabad’s administration, IESCO and PIMS, and was ordered to submit its report within 24 hours.
Parents of the victims alleged that no doctor or other medical staff was present inside the nursery when the fire started. Some also claimed that the neonatal intensive care unit door was locked and questioned the circumstances surrounding their children’s deaths.
One parent alleged that rescue teams arrived late and said families attempted to save the babies themselves. The parents demanded DNA testing to identify the bodies and called for action against hospital officials.
The allegations have not been independently verified.
PM Orders Immediate Investigation
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed grief over the deaths and ordered an immediate investigation into the incident. He directed authorities to determine the cause of the fire, identify those responsible and take strict action if negligence was established.
Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal said 14 deaths had initially been confirmed and that senior health officials were at the hospital. He said any negligence would be investigated and those responsible would face action, adding that he too would be held accountable if he was found at fault.
Conflicting accounts over cause of fire
Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said after visiting PIMS that the fire was caused by a short circuit and spread because of a gas line and plastic equipment. He said most of the deaths appeared to have resulted from smoke inhalation and that the oxygen supply also contributed to the spread of the fire.
Chaudhry said doctors, nurses and other staff were present when the incident occurred and remained safe.
The conflicting accounts over the cause of the fire are expected to be examined by the inquiry committee.
