At least 15 newborn babies have died after a fire broke out at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad on Wednesday morning.
The blaze erupted inside the nursery of the hospital’s gynaecology ward. Rescue officials said an air-conditioner compressor reportedly exploded, triggering the fire.
Initial reports indicate that the fire started at around 7:00 am on August 26.
Emergency and rescue teams rushed to PIMS after the incident. They worked to control the blaze and secure the affected section of the hospital.
Geo News, citing rescue sources, reported that at least 15 newborns had died in the fire. Reuters also reported the same preliminary death toll, citing the Pakistani broadcaster.
However, the casualty figure remains subject to revision as authorities continue assessing the incident. Some subsequent reports have put the toll higher.
Initial information points to a fault in the nursery’s air-conditioning system. However, authorities have yet to announce the findings of a formal investigation into the exact cause.
The tragedy is likely to raise serious questions about fire safety, electrical systems and emergency procedures at one of Islamabad’s largest government hospitals.
PIMS operates major maternity, neonatal and children’s healthcare facilities and receives patients from Islamabad as well as surrounding regions.
Further details about the victims, injuries and the circumstances surrounding the fire are expected as authorities investigate the incident.
This is a developing story and may be updated as more information becomes available.
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