Tragic Hospital Fire Claims Lives of Newborns in Islamabad

In Islamabad, Pakistan, a devastating fire broke out early Wednesday in the nursery for newborns at a prominent government hospital, leading to the death of 14 babies. This tragic incident occurred at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, which had 15 newborns in its nursery at the time of the fire.

Hospital officials reported that one baby was rescued, while Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal confirmed the death toll of 14 infants. The fire was triggered by the explosion of an air-conditioning unit compressor inside the nursery located in the gynecology ward at approximately 6:45 a.m. Firefighters rapidly responded and managed to extinguish the fire, with cooling operations following soon after.

Islamabad Chief Commissioner Suhail Ashraf announced that authorities were in coordination with the families affected by this tragedy. In response, the Islamabad district magistrate formed a multiagency fact-finding committee tasked with submitting a report within 24 hours. The investigation will focus on determining the cause of the fire, examining fire-safety measures, and assessing the emergency response.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow over the incident, with Sharif labeling it a tragedy and ordering an immediate investigation. President Asif Ali Zardari extended condolences, urging for accountability and improved fire-safety protocols, especially in wards caring for newborns.

The incident has sent waves of shock and grief across Pakistan. Police were stationed at the hospital as distressed parents and relatives gathered, seeking answers regarding the cause of the fire and the adequacy of the nursery’s firefighting equipment.

Mohammad Sami, a mother who had delivered her child three days before, lost her baby in the fire. Amid her grief, she expressed uncertainty and anguish over the tragic loss. Hospital personnel assured families that the infants’ bodies would be released after completing necessary paperwork.

Minister Kamal assured that he was en route from Karachi to Islamabad to oversee the investigation personally. He stated that the director-general of health and the federal health secretary were already at PIMS, coordinating with affected families. Kamal emphasized that the immediate priority was to support the grieving parents and facilitate the return of their infants’ bodies.