14 Newborns Die in PIMS MCH Ward Fire; Inquiry Committee Formed
Islamabad district administration says six fire tenders and four ambulances joined the emergency response, while a committee headed by the Additional Deputy Commissioner General will determine the cause of the fire.
ISLAMABAD: At least 14 newborn babies died after a fire broke out on the third floor of the Mother and Child Health (MCH) Centre at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad on Wednesday, prompting authorities to launch an inquiry into the incident.
Rescue Operation Launched at PIMS
According to the Islamabad district administration, rescue teams were dispatched to the hospital immediately after receiving information about the fire. Six fire brigade vehicles and four ambulances participated in the emergency operation.
The district administration said firefighters brought the blaze under control and children affected by the incident were shifted to the intensive care unit as part of the emergency response.
Officials said a total of 19 people were rescued, including 10 women and seven children. The administration further reported that 14 children sustained extensive burn injuries in the incident.
14 Newborns Reportedly Die in Nursery
Separate rescue-source reports said 14 newborns who had been placed in incubators died following the fire. Reuters and Geo News also reported at least 14 newborn deaths, citing local and rescue sources.
Initial information attributed to rescue sources suggested that the fire may have started following an air-conditioner compressor malfunction or explosion inside the nursery. However, the precise cause has not yet been officially established and will be determined through an inquiry.
Inquiry Committee Formed
The Islamabad district administration has constituted an inquiry committee headed by the Additional Deputy Commissioner General to investigate the incident.
The committee has been tasked with determining the circumstances and cause of the fire.
Critical Neonatal Facility Affected
PIMS’ own information describes its MCH neonatal facility as a 14-bed neonatal care unit serving newborns and handling patients associated with more than 14,000 deliveries annually, highlighting the critical role of the affected facility in the federal capital.
Further findings regarding the cause of the incident and any responsibility are expected after completion of the official inquiry.
