Staff Report
ISLAMABAD: Fourteen newborn babies died when a fire erupted in the nursery of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) in Islamabad on Wednesday morning, prompting the government to order a high-level investigation into the tragedy.
The nursery reportedly had 15 newborns at the time of the incident, with only one baby rescued.
The fire broke out at around 6:40am in the gynaecology ward on the third floor of the hospital. Initial reports attributed the blaze to an electrical fault, while officials also said oxygen supplies and other equipment contributed to the rapid spread of the fire.
According to the Pims administration, a spark triggered the blaze, which intensified within seconds. An explosion shortly afterwards caused parts of the ceiling to collapse, making efforts to reach the newborns extremely difficult.
Two doctors and four nurses were among the staff present in the neonatal intensive care unit. Hospital officials said staff members attempted to enter the nursery and rescue the babies, while security personnel also joined the operation.
Four newborns in an adjoining room were evacuated safely, while three mothers were moved to a secure location. Authorities said 73 other patients in the gynaecology ward were also evacuated within minutes.
The hospital administration said its staff used the available fire extinguishers and that emergency exits were operational. However, eyewitness accounts raised questions about the initial response and the availability and use of firefighting equipment.
State Minister for Interior Talal Chaudhry said rescue personnel reached Pims within minutes of receiving the alert. He said the bodies of all 14 deceased newborns had subsequently been handed over to their families.
Officials said CCTV recordings and other evidence had been secured as part of the investigation.
PM orders inquiry
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed sorrow over the deaths and said the loss of newborn lives was an irreparable tragedy for their families.
The prime minister chaired a meeting on the incident and ordered the immediate suspension of Federal Health Secretary Aslam Ghori.
A four-member inquiry committee has also been constituted to determine the cause of the fire, examine the emergency response and establish whether any negligence contributed to the deaths.
Former interior secretary Shahid Khan will head the committee. Major General (retd) Dr Khurshid Utra, Dr Barrister Nabeel Ahmed Awan and the Islamabad deputy commissioner have been appointed as members.
The committee will examine Pims’ fire-safety arrangements, evacuation procedures, emergency response and compliance with relevant safety standards. It has also been authorised to determine responsibility and recommend administrative measures to prevent similar incidents.
An interim report has been sought within 48 hours, while the committee has been directed to submit a comprehensive report within five days.
Conflicting accounts over fire response
The incident has also raised questions about the hospital’s preparedness and the response time of emergency services.
Eyewitnesses claimed rescue personnel arrived more than 30 minutes after the fire began and alleged that hospital staff initially focused on evacuating patients rather than using firefighting equipment.
Government officials, however, gave a different account, saying the fire brigade was alerted promptly and its first vehicle reached the hospital within six minutes.
An official report has reportedly identified shortcomings in the hospital’s fire-prevention arrangements, including concerns over emergency evacuation routes and access for firefighters. It also noted difficulties faced by fire personnel during the initial response.
Pims Executive Director Rana Imran Sikandar said the hospital had two doctors, four nurses and other personnel in the NICU when the fire started. He said one doctor succeeded in rescuing a newborn.
Sikandar maintained that the hospital had an adequate fire-safety system and said action would be taken against anyone found responsible.
Leaders express grief
President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and senior political leaders expressed condolences to the families of the deceased children.
President Zardari called for those responsible to be identified and dealt with according to the law.
National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz also expressed grief over the deaths.
Maryam Nawaz directed authorities to ensure that firefighting equipment in hospitals across Punjab remained available and functional.
The British High Commission also expressed sympathy with the families affected by the tragedy.
