Fire at Islamabad Hospital Kills 14 Newborns

A devastating fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) hospital in Islamabad has killed 14 newborn babies, according to Pakistani media outlet Dawn.

The fire broke out early Wednesday (August 26) on the third floor of the hospital’s Mother and Child Hospital, where the gynecology ward is located.

Islamabad authorities said rescue teams rushed to the scene after receiving reports of the fire. Six fire service vehicles and four ambulances were deployed to bring the blaze under control.

Although firefighters managed to extinguish the fire quickly, the newborns were moved to the intensive care unit. However, 14 babies could not be saved.

PIMS spokesperson Dr. Aniza Jalil said 15 newborns were in the ward when the fire started around 7am. A preliminary assessment suggests an electrical short circuit may have caused the blaze. One newborn was rescued by a doctor.

Authorities have formed an investigation committee, led by an additional deputy commissioner general, to determine the exact cause of the fire.

Established in 1985, PIMS is one of Islamabad’s largest and oldest government healthcare institutions.