Fire kills 14 newborns at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences hospital; blaze started in nursery after AC compressor exploded, PM orders investigation

A tragic fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences hospital claimed the lives of 14 newborns early Wednesday morning. The blaze erupted around 6:45 am after an air-conditioning unit compressor exploded in the nursery of the Mother and Child Health Ward.¹

According to rescue officials, the fire was quickly controlled by emergency teams, including police and specialists, who responded promptly to the scene. Islamabad's chief commissioner, Sohail Ashraf, confirmed that they "immediately reached at site and controlled the fire." However, the damage was devastating, with the newborns suffering severe burns, necessitating DNA testing for identification before their bodies can be returned to their families.⁵

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow over the incident, stating, "The loss of children in such circumstances is irreparable," and has ordered an immediate investigation into the fire. This incident has raised serious concerns regarding hospital safety standards in Pakistan, where fires in large buildings are common due to inadequate safety laws and poor enforcement of building codes.³⁴

The government is under pressure to address these issues to prevent future tragedies, as the public mourns the loss of innocent lives in this heartbreaking incident.