ISLAMABAD: A fire brigade report has surfaced stating that the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) lacked the necessary fire protection measures.
According to the fire brigade, both internal and external entrances were locked when the fire broke out at the hospital.
The report also noted that security personnel created hurdles for incoming rescue teams, while an unusually large crowd gathered at the site of the incident, further hampering operations.
Earlier today, at least 15 infants were died in a tragic fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) early Wednesday morning, ARY News reported, citing sources.
According to rescue officials, initial reports indicate that a short circuit caused the fire at the capital’s major hospital.
Hospital sources stated that a female doctor managed to save one infant’s life from the nursery.
Firefighters have since extinguished the blaze in the hospital nursery, and a cooling process is currently underway.
Sources added that the fire erupted after an air conditioner compressor exploded around 6:45 am.
Speaking to ARY News, PIMS Chief Professor Imran Sikandar confirmed the deaths of 14 infants, adding that one infant and several adults were rescued during the tragic incident.
“An investigation into the incident is underway, though the exact cause of the fire has not yet been determined,” he said.
He emphasized that every aspect of the incident will be probed.
An inquiry committee, headed by the Additional Deputy Commissioner of Islamabad, has been formed to determine the cause of the fire in the PIMS nursery.
The district administration stated that the fire broke out on the third floor of the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) ward of PIMS.
Meanwhile, as many as six fire tenders and four ambulances participated in the fire-extinguishing operation.
