14 newborns die in fire at Pakistan hospital in Islamabad

A fire broke out early Wednesday in the nursery of Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in Islamabad, killing 14 newborns and injuring one other infant, according to hospital officials and the prime minister's office.

Blaze Erupts in Maternity Ward

The blaze erupted at approximately 7 a.m. local time on the third floor of the Maternal and Child Health Ward, where 15 babies were undergoing treatment. Islamabad administration officials initially reported that the fire was brought under control shortly after it began and that 14 severely burned infants were transferred to an intensive care unit, though the Prime Minister's Office later confirmed all 14 had succumbed to their injuries.

Electrical Fault Suspected

Preliminary reports indicate the fire was caused by a short circuit in the hospital's electrical system, PIMS spokesperson Dr. Aneeza Jalil told local media, though other reports suggested a malfunction in the air-conditioning system may have triggered the blaze. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow over the deaths and ordered an immediate investigation into the incident.

Inquiry Committee Formed

Sharif stated: "Such a situation involving children is irreparable. The causes of the incident should be thoroughly examined, those responsible should be identified, and the strictest possible action should be taken." The Islamabad administration subsequently formed an inquiry committee headed by the additional deputy commissioner general to determine whether negligence or failures in the hospital's safety systems contributed to the deaths, officials said.