Pakistan suspends eight officials over hospital fire that killed 14 babies

Investigators appointed by Pakistan's prime minister are visiting the hospital nursery in Islamabad where a fire killed 14 newborns on Wednesday. The blaze, which occurred on the third floor, spread rapidly, allowing staff to rescue only one baby out of fifteen. While initial reports suggested an exploding air-conditioning unit, the hospital's preliminary report indicated a nebulizer blast, exacerbated by high oxygen levels, as the cause. The investigating committee, expected to deliver urgent recommendations within 48 hours, will independently determine the fire's cause. In response to the tragedy, authorities have ordered reviews of fire safety measures at hospitals nationwide, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif dismissed Health Secretary Aslam Ghauri. The UN children's agency, UNICEF, has called for an urgent review of safety standards at health facilities.

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.

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.