Islamabad: A devastating fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad has claimed the lives of at least 15 newborn infants, according to initial reports from local media and rescue sources.
The fire broke out early Wednesday morning, August 26, in the nursery of the hospital’s mother and child health facility, located in the gynaecology ward. Reports said 16 newborns were present in the affected area when the blaze erupted, with only one infant reportedly rescued alive. However, casualty figures have varied in subsequent official and media updates, with authorities continuing to assess the tragedy.
Fire Reportedly Started in Nursery
Initial reports suggested that the blaze may have been linked to a fault in the air-conditioning system. Some rescue sources reported that an air-conditioner compressor may have exploded, while hospital officials told local media that a short circuit was suspected.
The exact cause of the fire has not yet been officially established and is expected to be determined by the investigation.
The fire reportedly broke out at around 7 am on the third floor of the Mother and Child Hospital section of PIMS. Emergency teams rushed to the scene, deploying fire engines and ambulances as firefighters worked to bring the flames under control and rescue patients from the affected building.
Inquiry Ordered Into the Tragedy
Pakistani authorities have launched an inquiry into the incident. According to reports, an investigation committee has been formed to determine how the fire started and whether any safety lapses contributed to the scale of the tragedy.
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed sorrow over the deaths and ordered an immediate investigation, according to Reuters.
The incident has once again raised serious concerns about fire safety, emergency preparedness and infrastructure at major public healthcare facilities.
A Major Hospital in Pakistan’s Capital
PIMS is one of Islamabad’s most important government-run healthcare institutions and serves a large number of patients from the capital and surrounding areas. The hospital complex includes several specialised facilities and teaching institutions.
As investigators examine the circumstances surrounding Wednesday’s fire, the devastating loss of newborn lives has triggered widespread grief and renewed calls for stronger fire-safety systems in hospitals and other critical public facilities.
This is a developing story, and the casualty figure and details of the cause may be updated as Pakistani authorities release further official information.
