15 newborns died in a fire that broke out in the Obstetrics and Gynecology ward of Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in the capital Islamabad at around 6:45 am on Wednesday. According to PIMS officials, there were 16 newborns in the ward at the time of the incident, out of which only one could be saved. The fire broke out when an air-conditioner compressor of the hospital burst.
The district administration confirmed that 14 children were completely burnt in the fire that broke out on the third floor of the ward, The News reported. As soon as the information was received, the rescue teams reached the spot. Six fire brigade vehicles and four ambulances took part in the rescue operation. A committee has been formed under the chairmanship of Additional Deputy Commissioner to investigate the accident. The committee will find out the cause of the fire.
According to officials, the ward was sealed after the incident. The parents alleged that staff were not present at the incubation center at the time of the fire. Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has asked for an investigation into the accident and strict action should be taken against those found responsible. The Prime Minister said that he shares the grief of the bereaved parents.
The district administration has said that officials of Islamabad Electric Supply Company and PIMS have also been included in the investigation committee. The committee will submit its report within 24 hours. Sources in the rescue team described the fire safety arrangements in the hospital as extremely inadequate.
According to sources, there was no water at the site of the fire, while couplings from the fire hose were missing. Emergency exits were closed. When this incident happened, no doctor, ward boy or other staff was present in the incubation centre.