The Islamabad district administration has formed an inquiry committee to investigate the deadly incident.
ISLAMABAD: A heartbreaking tragedy struck early Wednesday morning, Aug. 26, when at least 15 newborns died after a devastating fire swept through the nursery of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad. Sixteen babies were reportedly being treated in the nursery at the time of the incident.
The devastating incident not only took away the lives of innocent children but also turned this morning into an unbearable day of grief and mourning for their parents and families.
On the blessed occasion of 12th Rabi-ul-Awwal, when Muslims across Pakistan are observing Eid Milad-un-Nabi (PBUH), these innocent babies tragically lost their lives, leaving their families facing unimaginable pain and sorrow.
Officials said an air-conditioner compressor may have triggered the blaze, leaving only one infant rescued from the third-floor ward.
The fire broke out at about 6:45 a.m. in the gynaecology ward’s nursery, according to rescue officials. The sudden blaze quickly spread through the area, prompting emergency teams to rush to the hospital and begin rescue operations.
PIMS officials said 16 newborns were inside the nursery when the fire started. Only one baby was rescued by a lady doctor, while the others died in the incident, according to officials.
Rescue officials later said the fire had been extinguished and cooling operations were underway at the site to prevent the blaze from reigniting.
The Islamabad district administration has formed an inquiry committee to investigate the deadly incident. The committee, headed by the additional deputy commissioner, will examine how the fire started, what caused the compressor failure and how the blaze spread through the nursery.
Officials are also expected to review the hospital’s emergency response and safety arrangements as part of the investigation.
