Fire at Islamabad Hospital Kills 15 Newborns

A devastating fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) hospital in Islamabad has killed 15 newborn babies. The fire broke out early Wednesday (August 26) on the third floor of the hospital’s Mother and Child Hospital.

According to Islamabad authorities, rescue teams rushed to the scene after receiving the report. Six fire service vehicles and four ambulances were deployed to control the blaze. After the fire was brought under control, the newborns were quickly transferred to the intensive care unit. However, none of the 15 babies could be saved.

PIMS spokesperson Dr. Aniza Jalil said 15 newborns were in the ward when the fire started at around 7am. A preliminary assessment suggests that an electrical short circuit may have caused the fire.

An investigation committee headed by an additional deputy commissioner general has been formed to determine the cause of the incident.

A relative of a hospitalized woman said renovation and repair work was underway in the building where the nursery ward was located. Hospital authorities reportedly instructed patients to evacuate the building after the fire broke out.

Established in 1985, PIMS is one of Islamabad’s largest government hospitals.