Tragic Hospital Fire in Islamabad Claims 14 Newborn Lives

In Islamabad, a devastating fire engulfed a nursery at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, claiming the lives of 14 newborns. Officials reported that the nursery housed 15 infants when the blaze ignited. Among them, only one baby was successfully rescued.

According to rescue officials, the fire erupted at approximately 6:45 a.m., supposedly due to an explosion of the air-conditioning unit’s compressor within the nursery, situated in the hospital’s gynecology ward. Firefighters swiftly responded to the emergency, effectively extinguishing the flames and undertaking cooling operations at the scene as stated by local media.

Efforts to obtain comments from the hospital spokesperson by The Associated Press were unsuccessful at first. Meanwhile, security forces maintained vigilance at the Mother and Child Health ward following the incident.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep regret over the loss of life. He requested a prompt and comprehensive investigation into the tragedy. A statement from his office confirmed the deaths of the 14 newborns.

“A tragedy involving children is an irreparable loss,” Sharif commented. He demanded a thorough examination of the incident’s circumstances, calling for accountability and severe measures against those responsible.