According to the Pakistan News website (thenews.pk), a fire broke out in the gynecology ward of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, resulting in the death of 15 infants.
The official of the agency said that there were 16 newborns in the nursery at the time of the incident, and only one person was rescued. Rescue workers stated that the fire occurred at 6:45 am local time today. The cause of the fire was an explosion in the air conditioning compressor in the hospital's nursery. According to local authorities, 14 children who died in the fire suffered severe burns. Rescue personnel rushed to the scene immediately upon receiving the news, and the rescue department dispatched 6 fire trucks and 4 ambulances.
Currently, a survey committee headed by the Deputy Commissioner has been established to investigate this incident. Local authorities state that the committee will determine the cause of the fire and the sequence of events. Reports indicate that the maternal and child health ward was “seized” after the incident occurred, and parents of the infants claim that there was no staff present at the time of the fire.
Pakistani Prime Minister Sheikh Bashir Shahid has ordered an immediate investigation into the incident, and has demanded severe measures be taken against those responsible. Shahid stated that this tragic incident involving children is an irreparable tragedy.
Pakistan's Health Minister Mustafa Kamal said that the fire spread quickly. The hospital lost power during the explosion, and the executive director of PIMS is already at the scene and in contact with him.
The Minister of Parliamentary Affairs of the Federal Union, Tariq Fazal Jodhri, stated that the fire was caused by an electrical short circuit. Most of the children who died suffered from asphyxiation due to smoke. At the time of the incident, doctors, nurses, and other staff members were present at the hospital, but they remained unharmed. The spread of the fire was caused by the ventilation ducts and plastic equipment within the hospital, and the oxygen supply system also contributed to the spread of the fire.
Reports indicate that rescue personnel stated that the fire safety measures at this medical facility were inadequate. There was no water at the fire scene, and the fire hoses lacked connectors. The emergency evacuation exits were locked, and there were no doctors, nurses, or other staff in the pediatric ward.
According to sources, Pakistani Prime Minister Sharif held an emergency meeting regarding this incident at the Prime Minister’s Office. Relevant officials and heads of agencies were summoned to attend the meeting, where the person responsible for the accident will be identified.
PIMS executive director Lana Imran Sikandar stated that there were two doctors, four nurses, and other staff in the intensive care unit at the time of the fire. One of the doctors successfully rescued a newborn. Due to past incidents involving the stealing of children, the hospital had previously restricted access to certain areas. Regarding the fire protection system, he said, “The hospital has established a satisfactory fire safety system.” He added that actions will be taken if it is determined who is responsible for this incident.
