Tragedy struck early Wednesday in Islamabad, Pakistan, as a fire erupted in a nursery for newborns at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, a major government hospital. According to hospital and government officials, the fire resulted in the deaths of 14 babies, with only one baby rescued.
The blaze ignited around 6:45 a.m., caused by an air-conditioning unit compressor explosion inside the nursery in the gynecology ward. Firefighters promptly responded to extinguish the flames and began cooling operations, reported local media. Islamabad Chief Commissioner Suhail Ashraf confirmed that the fire was under control, with authorities actively supporting the families affected.
In response, the Islamabad district magistrate formed a multiagency fact-finding committee to investigate the fire’s origin, assess fire-safety measures in place, and evaluate the emergency response. This panel is expected to deliver a report within 24 hours. Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal and other leaders, including Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, expressed sorrow over the incident, urging for immediate inquiries. President Asif Ali Zardari offered condolences, emphasizing the urgency of identifying those accountable and enhancing safety protocols in neonatal wards.
Nationwide shock and grief engulfed Pakistan as the deaths of the children resonated across the country. Police were stationed at the hospital as mourning parents and relatives arrived, seeking explanations and accountability. Among them was Mohammad Sami, a mother whose newborn was receiving intensive care and tragically perished in the fire. She conveyed her profound loss and the painful circumstances surrounding her child’s death.
Hospital officials reassured families that efforts were underway to complete the necessary formalities for the release of the infants’ bodies. Health Minister Kamal announced his trip from Karachi to Islamabad to supervise the investigation personally. His team, including the director-general of health and the federal health secretary, arrived at the hospital, one of Islamabad’s largest public healthcare facilities and a recent examination site for former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Kamal emphasized that supporting the bereaved parents and ensuring the return of the infants’ bodies remained the immediate focus.