Islamabad PIMS Fire Kills 15 Infants After AC Compressor Explosion
Updated
Updated · Mint · Aug 26
Islamabad PIMS Fire Kills 15 Infants After AC Compressor Explosion
3 articles · Updated · Mint · Aug 26
Summary
Fifteen infants died in a fire in the gynaecology ward nursery at Islamabad's Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, with officials saying only one of 16 newborns was rescued.
The blaze broke out around 6:45 a.m. on the third floor of the MCH ward after an air-conditioner compressor exploded; a hospital spokesperson said a short circuit may have triggered it.
Six fire brigades and four ambulances were sent to the hospital, and authorities said the fire was contained before cooling operations began and babies were moved to intensive care.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered an immediate investigation, while a district inquiry committee was formed amid questions over safety at a building where renovation work was still underway.
The toll rose from earlier reports of 13 and 14 deaths, underscoring persistent fire-safety risks at Pakistan's government hospitals.