ISLAMABAD – A fire at the nursery of Islamabad’s Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) hospital has claimed the lives of 15 newborns on Wednesday.
According to rescue officials, the fire has been brought under control and cooling operations are underway. Rescue sources said the blaze reportedly started after an air-conditioning compressor exploded in the nursery.
Hospital officials said 16 babies were present in the nursery when the fire broke out. A lady doctor was able to rescue one child, while the remaining infants were reported dead.
The district administration said the fire erupted on the third floor of the hospital’s Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Ward. Rescue teams responded immediately, with six fire brigade vehicles and four ambulances taking part in the emergency operation.
The administration said an inquiry committee headed by the additional deputy commissioner has been formed to determine the cause of the fire.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow over the deaths and directed authorities to conduct an immediate investigation. He also said strict action would be taken against those found responsible.
Further details are awaited as the investigation continues.
