Locked inside: Grief and anger as Pakistan hospital fire kills 14 newborns

Fourteen newborns died in a fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) hospital in Islamabad on Wednesday morning. The fire, reportedly caused by a short circuit in the critical care nursery's air-conditioning unit, trapped infants inside. Rescue efforts were hampered by smoke and inaccessible corridors, with firefighters having to break through concrete grills and windows to gain entry. Families expressed grief and anger, with some witnesses reporting a lack of staff presence and blocked emergency exits. This incident follows a similar fatal fire in June 2024 at another Pakistani hospital, raising concerns about hospital safety protocols.

At least 14 newborn babies died in a fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) hospital in Islamabad on Wednesday morning. The blaze originated from a fire in an air conditioning unit on the third floor of the mother and child unit. There were 15 babies in the ward at the time, with one successfully rescued. The babies were reportedly in incubators or on oxygen equipment, which can accelerate fires. In response to the incident, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif suspended Federal Secretary of Health Aslam Ghauri and expressed anger at some officials. Eyewitnesses reported chaotic scenes and slow rescue responses.

A fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in Islamabad on Wednesday morning killed at least 14 newborns in the hospital's nursery. The blaze, which reportedly started after an air conditioning unit compressor exploded, was contained to the nursery ward. One infant was rescued by a doctor. In response to the tragedy, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif removed Health Secretary Aslam Ghauri from office and ordered an immediate investigation. President Asif Ali Zardari offered condolences to the families, calling the deaths a "heartbreaking and an irreparable loss." Grieving families expressed their sorrow as authorities secured the scene.

At least 14 newborn babies died in a fire that broke out in the maternity ward of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, the largest state hospital in Islamabad, on Wednesday morning. Fifteen babies were in the ward when the blaze started, with one saved by a doctor. The fire, potentially caused by an air conditioner, was exacerbated by oxygen canisters, according to the health minister. The prime minister has ordered an immediate investigation into the incident, calling for those responsible to face strict action. Relatives gathered outside the hospital's mortuary as authorities investigated the cause of the fire, which occurred amidst ongoing repair and construction work.

A fire at a newborn nursery in Pakistan's capital, Islamabad, has resulted in the deaths of 14 infants. The blaze occurred early Wednesday morning at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, a government hospital. Officials believe the fire started around 6:45 a.m. when the compressor of an air-conditioning unit exploded inside the nursery, which is located within the gynecology ward. The nursery was housing at least 15 newborns, and one baby was rescued. Firefighters extinguished the fire, and rescue teams conducted cooling operations. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his sorrow and ordered an immediate investigation into the incident.

A fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) Hospital in Islamabad on Wednesday morning resulted in the deaths of at least 14 newborn babies, with one local broadcaster reporting 15 fatalities. The blaze, which broke out in the nursery on the third floor of the Mother and Child Centre, has been extinguished. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered an immediate investigation into the incident and pledged the strictest action against those responsible. Rescue sources suggest the fire may have been caused by a short circuit in a faulty air conditioning unit. This incident highlights ongoing issues with safety regulations and building codes in Pakistan, where underfunded public hospitals often face challenges.