Islamabad: At least 14 newborn babies were killed after a fire broke out in the mother-and-child ward of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Islamabad’s largest public hospital, on Wednesday morning.
The fire broke out at around 7 am on the third floor of the hospital’s gynaecology ward, where newborn babies were being cared for. The Islamabad administration confirmed that 14 infants died in the incident.
PIMS spokesperson Dr Aneeza Jalil said babies were present in the ward when the fire erupted and that at least one infant was rescued by a doctor. Initial reports had suggested a higher death toll, but authorities later confirmed that 14 newborns had died.
Fire breaks out in newborn ward
The blaze erupted in the mother-and-child section on the third floor of PIMS, triggering an immediate emergency response inside the hospital.
According to the hospital spokesperson, the fire appeared to have been caused by a short circuit. However, Pakistan’s health minister later indicated that the incident may have involved a blast in an air-conditioning unit. The exact cause is expected to be established through the inquiry ordered by the authorities.
The presence of oxygen in the ward reportedly contributed to the rapid spread of the flames, according to the health minister. The incident caused extensive damage to the affected ward, while images from the scene showed broken windows and a badly damaged interior.
Rescue teams rushed to hospital
The Islamabad administration said emergency teams were immediately dispatched after the fire was reported.
Six fire brigade vehicles and four ambulances were deployed during the rescue operation. Firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control, although cooling operations continued after the flames were extinguished.
Dr Jalil said at least one baby was saved by a doctor during the emergency. The number of babies inside the ward was initially reported as 15, although officials said some may have been discharged during the night, making it difficult to immediately establish the exact number present when the fire started.
The deaths of the newborns have triggered grief and concern among families and hospital staff.
Inquiry ordered into tragedy
Authorities have ordered an investigation into the incident.
The Islamabad administration said an inquiry committee headed by the additional deputy commissioner general had been formed to establish how the fire started and examine the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The investigation is also expected to examine fire safety arrangements, emergency exits and other safety measures at the hospital.
PIMS is a major public healthcare institution in the Pakistani capital and serves a large number of patients from Islamabad and surrounding regions. The tragedy has raised fresh questions about fire preparedness and safety standards in critical hospital wards.
Reuters reported that the hospital has faced criticism over resource management and that questions have been raised about fire safety provisions and emergency exits following the incident.
Authorities face questions over safety
The fire has prompted concerns about whether adequate emergency measures were in place in a ward housing vulnerable newborns.
The rapid spread of the blaze and the difficulty in evacuating the infants have intensified questions about the hospital’s fire prevention and evacuation systems.
The inquiry committee will now be responsible for determining the precise cause of the fire and whether any lapses contributed to the tragedy.
The federal health secretary has also been removed following the incident, according to reports from Pakistani media.
As authorities continue their investigation, the tragedy at PIMS has highlighted the critical importance of robust fire safety systems in hospitals, particularly in neonatal and maternity wards where patients cannot be evacuated without assistance.
The incident is among the most serious hospital fires reported in Pakistan in recent years, with the loss of 14 newborn lives leaving families and the wider community in mourning.