Fire breaks out in PIMS nursery; AC system fault suspected, investigation ordered
Islamabad: A devastating fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Pakistan’s capital Islamabad has claimed the lives of several newborn babies, triggering widespread grief and raising questions over hospital safety.
The fire broke out on Wednesday morning in the gynaecology and mother-and-child section of the hospital. Initial reports put the death toll at 15 newborns, while a later update from the Islamabad administration reported 14 deaths. The situation remains under investigation. (
16 Newborns Reportedly Present in the Nursery
According to reports, 16 newborn babies were present in the nursery when the fire broke out. Rescue teams managed to evacuate one infant alive from the affected area.
The fire reportedly erupted at around 7 am in the hospital’s gynaecology ward. Flames and heavy smoke quickly spread through the affected section, making the rescue operation extremely difficult.
AC Compressor Fault Suspected
Rescue sources have indicated that the fire may have started after an air-conditioning compressor exploded inside the nursery. However, the exact cause of the fire has not yet been conclusively established.
An earlier hospital statement also indicated that an electrical short circuit was being considered as a possible cause, making the ongoing investigation crucial to determine what actually triggered the blaze.
Firefighters and Ambulances Rushed to the Hospital
Emergency teams were immediately dispatched after the fire was reported. According to the Islamabad administration, six fire brigade vehicles and four ambulances took part in the rescue operation.
The fire was brought under control and cooling operations were subsequently carried out at the affected site.
Investigation Ordered Into the Tragedy
Authorities have ordered an investigation into the incident to determine how the fire started and whether any safety lapses contributed to the deaths.
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered an immediate investigation and called for strict action against anyone found responsible, according to Pakistan’s media sources.
Questions Over Hospital Fire Safety
PIMS is one of Islamabad’s major public-sector hospitals and serves a large number of patients from the capital and surrounding areas. The tragedy has renewed concerns over fire safety systems, emergency preparedness and protection measures in critical hospital areas such as neonatal wards.
Important Update: Reports released during the morning have differed on the exact number of fatalities, with figures ranging from 14 to 15 newborns. The final confirmed toll is expected to become clearer as authorities complete their assessment and investigation.
