Fire at PIMS Children’s Hospital Nursery Kills 14 Newborns

ISLAMABAD:Report by Muhammad Saleem 

A devastating fire broke out in the nursery of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) Children’s Hospital, killing 14 newborn infants. One baby was rescued in time by hospital staff.
The incident occurred at approximately 6:45 am. Initial reports suggest the fire was caused by a short circuit, though the exact cause has not yet been confirmed. A forensic team is examining the site, investigating possibilities including short-circuiting or a compressor explosion in an air conditioning unit.
The presence of oxygen lines, cylinders and other equipment in the nursery caused the fire to spread with extreme speed. Some of the deceased infants were only a few hours old, while others were just one day old. Most deaths were attributed to suffocation and smoke inhalation from burning plastic.
The bodies of around six infants have been identified and handed over to their parents, while the remaining bodies are being released following necessary legal procedures. Doctors, nurses, paramedical staff, and mothers present near the nursery at the time of the incident remained safe.
On the special directive of the Prime Minister, an investigation committee headed by a Vice Chancellor has been formed, while the Islamabad administration has also constituted a separate committee headed by the Deputy Commissioner. The Prime Minister has demanded an investigation report within 24 hours.
Federal Minister Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, who rushed to the site immediately from the Jinnah Convention Centre upon receiving the news, said: “I personally inspected the site of the incident. Forensic experts are examining all aspects of the incident. If negligence is proven at any level of the PIMS administration, strict action will be taken — no one will be spared. This is an extremely tragic, painful, and immense human catastrophe.”
The Executive Director of PIMS and the Secretary of Health are present at the scene, and investigations are ongoing. The Prime Minister will be briefed on the preliminary report and the situation.