Fifteen newborns died after a fire broke out at the gynaecology ward of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) early Wednesday.
The Islamabad administration said in a statement that the fire broke out on the third floor of the Mother and Child Hospital’s ward. Rescue teams rushed to the scene, with six fire brigade vehicles and four ambulances taking part in the operation, reports DAWN.
“The fire was immediately brought under control and the children were immediately shifted to the intensive care unit,” the administration said, adding that 15 babies had died.
An inquiry committee headed by the additional deputy commissioner general has been formed to investigate the incident, it said.
PIMS spokesperson Aneeza Jalil said that 16 babies were in the ward. When asked about the cause of the incident, she said the fire, which erupted at 7am, appeared to have been caused by a short circuit.
“At least one baby was saved by a doctor,” she said.
Malik Israr, whose niece was admitted to the gynaecology ward, told that it was unfortunate that the nursery was housed in a building where repair and renovation work was ongoing.
“After the fire erupted, they told patients to vacate the building. Women who had just given birth had to rush down the stairs from the second floor,” he said.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed the relevant authorities to investigate the incident, expressing deep sorrow and grief and offering condolences to the bereaved families.
“Such a situation that involves children is unbearable,” the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) quoted him as saying. He said the factors behind the incident should be examined and those responsible identified.
President Zardari described the deaths as “heartbreaking and an irreparable loss” and called for responsibility to be determined and action taken according to the law. He also urged hospitals to ensure effective fire safety and emergency arrangements, particularly for newborn babies.
