A fire at the nursery of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad claimed the lives of 15 newborns, according to hospital and district administration officials.
Rescue authorities said the fire has been brought under control, while cooling operations are continuing at the affected area. Preliminary information suggests that the fire broke out after an explosion in an air-conditioner compressor.
According to the hospital administration, 16 babies were present in the nursery when the fire started. A female doctor managed to rescue one child, while the remaining 15 babies died in the blaze. Officials said most of the victims suffered severe burns.
The fire broke out on the third floor of the MCH Ward. Rescue and fire brigade teams reached the hospital soon after receiving the emergency call. Six fire brigade vehicles and four ambulances took part in the rescue operation.
Authorities have formed an inquiry committee headed by the Additional Deputy Commissioner to determine the exact cause of the fire and establish responsibility for the deaths.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and took notice of the incident. He directed the relevant authorities to conduct an immediate and detailed investigation into the fire.
The prime minister said the loss of innocent children in such circumstances was devastating and called for the causes of the fire to be thoroughly examined. He directed officials to determine responsibility and take strict action against those found negligent.
Shehbaz Sharif also expressed condolences to the families of the deceased children, saying that the tragedy had deeply saddened him and that he shared the grief of the bereaved parents.
The inquiry is expected to determine whether the fire resulted solely from the reported air-conditioner compressor failure or whether any safety, maintenance or emergency-response shortcomings also contributed to the tragedy.
