Islamabad: At least 15 newborn babies were killed after a fire swept through the nursery of the gynaecology ward at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad on Wednesday, according to Pakistani media reports citing officials familiar with the incident.
Officials at PIMS said 16 infants were being treated in the nursery when the fire broke out. Emergency responders managed to evacuate only one child from the affected section, while the remaining 15 babies died in the blaze.
The fire reportedly started at approximately 6:45 a.m. in the nursery. Initial information indicated that an air-conditioner compressor may have exploded, triggering the fire, Geo TV reported.
Rescue teams were dispatched to the hospital after receiving information about the incident. Firefighters subsequently brought the flames under control, while cooling operations continued at the site to ensure that no residual heat or embers caused the fire to flare up again.
The blaze occurred on the third floor of the Mother and Child Health (MCH) ward, which houses the gynaecology and neonatal care facilities, as reported by ap7am.com. The district administration said 14 of the babies were completely burnt in the fire.
Six fire tenders and four ambulances were rushed to the hospital as part of the emergency response, officials said. Rescue personnel reached the facility and began operations soon after the incident was reported.
The tragedy has prompted concerns over fire-prevention and emergency safety measures at the hospital, particularly in a ward caring for newborns who require constant medical attention and assistance during an evacuation.
The district administration has set up an inquiry committee led by the additional deputy commissioner to determine how the fire began and establish the circumstances that resulted in the deaths.
The panel will also examine the emergency response, including the actions taken by hospital officials, firefighters and rescue personnel after the blaze was detected. Officials said the committee’s findings would help establish the sequence of events and identify any lapses in the safety arrangements.
Further information regarding the incident and the inquiry report is awaited.