14 newborn babies die in tragic fire at Pakistan hospital
By The South Asia Times
ISLAMABAD - Fourteen newborn babies died after a fire broke out at the nursery of Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) Hospital in Islamabad early Wednesday, prompting Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to order an immediate investigation.
The fire erupted at around 7am on the third floor of the hospital’s Mother and Child Health (MCH) Ward, according to hospital and district administration officials.
PIMS spokesperson Dr Aneeza Jalil told Dawn that 15 babies were present in the ward when the fire broke out. She said the blaze appeared to have been caused by a short circuit.
Emergency services responded to the incident, with six fire brigade vehicles and four ambulances taking part in the rescue operation. Hospital staff and emergency responders brought the fire under control and shifted the affected babies to the intensive care unit.
Dr Jalil said at least one baby was rescued by a doctor during the incident.
The district administration said a committee headed by the Additional Deputy Commissioner General had been formed to investigate the incident and determine its causes and responsibility.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep grief and sorrow over the deaths and took notice of the incident, directing authorities to conduct an immediate investigation.
“Such a situation involving children is irreparable. The causes of the incident should be thoroughly examined, those responsible should be identified, and the strictest possible action should be taken,” the prime minister said.
Sharif also extended his condolences to the families of the newborns, saying his heart was deeply saddened by the tragedy and that he shared the grief of the bereaved parents.
He prayed that Allah Almighty grant patience and strength to the families who lost their children.
The incident has raised serious questions about fire safety measures, emergency preparedness and electrical safety at one of Pakistan’s largest public-sector hospitals. Authorities are expected to determine whether safety protocols were properly implemented and whether any negligence contributed to the deaths.
