Fourteen infants died after a devastating fire broke out early Wednesday in the Mother and Child Health ward of Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) in Islamabad.
According to a preliminary hospital report, the fire began around 6:38am when a spark reportedly came from an air-conditioning unit. The flames quickly intensified, apparently because oxygen points were located near the incubators. The hospital said the nursery was engulfed within seconds.
Fifteen babies were reportedly present in the affected nursery. Hospital officials said one infant was rescued from the nursery, while four others were saved from an adjoining room. Three mothers were also rescued, along with 73 other patients from the nearby gynaecology ward.
Rescue efforts have come under scrutiny after some witnesses alleged that emergency teams arrived late and that certain doors were locked during the fire. Some people reportedly broke windows to reach the neonatal intensive care unit. However, Pims rejected the allegations, stating that all emergency exits were open and functioning.
The Islamabad administration said six fire engines and four ambulances participated in the rescue operation and that the blaze was brought under control quickly.
Health Minister Mustafa Kamal promised that those responsible for negligence would face accountability, including himself if necessary. Authorities have established inquiry and fact-finding committees to determine the exact cause of the incident and identify any negligence.
The tragedy has sparked widespread grief, with condolences being expressed across Pakistan and from abroad.
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PRESS UPDATE