At least 15 newborn babies have died after a fire broke out in the nursery of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) hospital in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, on Wednesday morning.

The fire erupted on the third floor of the hospital’s Maternal and Child Health (MCH) ward, according to hospital authorities.

PIMS officials said 16 newborns were inside the nursery when the fire broke out. Only one baby was rescued alive.

Rescue officials said the fire started at around 6:45 am following an explosion involving the compressor of an air conditioner in the nursery.

Firefighters Rush to Hospital

Rescue teams arrived at the scene after receiving reports of the fire and began efforts to bring it under control.

According to the district administration, six fire engines and four ambulances were deployed during the rescue operation.

Although firefighters eventually extinguished the blaze, cooling operations continued to reduce the temperature in the affected area.

The district administration reported that 14 newborns were completely burned in the fire, while hospital officials put the death toll at at least 15. Despite slight discrepancies in the figures reported by different sources, the hospital’s latest count indicated that 15 babies had died.

Investigation Launched Into Cause of Fire

Authorities have formed an investigation committee led by an additional deputy commissioner to determine how the fire started and whether negligence contributed to the tragedy.

The committee will examine the circumstances surrounding the incident and assess whether any safety failures or lapses in responsibility occurred.

Following the incident, the affected MCH ward was sealed off.

Parents of the deceased babies alleged that no staff members were present at the incubation centre when the fire broke out. However, no final conclusions have been reached regarding the allegation, pending the investigation committee’s findings.

Shehbaz Sharif Orders Immediate Probe

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered an immediate investigation into the incident and directed authorities to identify those responsible and take strict action against them.

He also expressed profound grief over the deaths and extended his condolences to the bereaved families.

The tragedy has raised serious concerns about fire safety, emergency preparedness and the protection of vulnerable newborns in hospital facilities.

Sources: Geo News, Reuters