At Least 14 Infants Dead After Fire Erupts in Pakistan Hospital Nursery

A devastating fire tore through the nursery ward at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in Islamabad on Wednesday morning, claiming the lives of at least 14 newborns. Hospital officials confirmed that one infant was successfully rescued during the blaze, which erupted at approximately 6:45 a.m. in the gynecology ward.

The conflagration was triggered by an explosion in an air conditioning unit’s compressor, according to statements from both hospital administrators and rescue personnel. The flames remained contained to the nursery area and did not spread to other sections of the sprawling government medical facility.

Hospital spokesperson Dr. Aneeza Jalil disclosed that a physician managed to pull one baby to safety. She reported that six families had already received the remains of their deceased infants, with authorities preparing to return the remaining bodies.

Footage from the scene documented families in profound distress as investigators surveyed shattered windows and emergency responders secured the perimeter. One woman identified by the Associated Press, Mrs. Mohammad Sami, expressed her anguish just three days after delivering her child, saying she did not know whom to hold responsible.

The tragedy prompted swift administrative action from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who immediately removed Health Secretary Aslam Ghauri from his position as the country’s top civil servant. Sharif ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the fire, describing it as an irreplaceable loss.

Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari also responded to the incident, extending sympathies to the bereaved families and characterizing the deaths as both heartbreaking and irreversible.