Pakistan hospital fire kills 14 newborns
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The gist
A fire at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in Islamabad killed 14 newborns early Wednesday. The tragedy underscores lax safety enforcement in Pakistan's buildings, prompting a government probe.
Background
The fire broke out in the maternity ward's nursery at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), the largest state hospital in Islamabad, in the early hours of Wednesday. Hospital officials confirmed 14 newborn deaths, with 15 babies in the ward at the time and one rescued. The blaze is suspected to have been caused by an air-conditioning unit explosion, though investigators have not confirmed the cause. This incident is among the deadliest hospital fires in Pakistan in recent years, highlighting frequent building fires due to poor safety laws and lax enforcement.
How it unfolded
- Aug 26, 2026 06:45Fire began at the nursery, apparently after an air-conditioning compressor exploded.
- Aug 26, 2026 07:00Emergency call made; rescue and police teams reached the scene and brought the fire under control.
- Aug 26, 2026Hospital administration confirmed 14 newborn deaths; one baby was rescued by a doctor.
- Aug 26, 2026Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered an immediate investigation and called the loss 'irreparable'.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Health Minister Mustafa Kamal suggested the blaze was caused by an air conditioner, but investigators had not confirmed the cause.
- Official
- Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed an immediate investigation, stating 'Those responsible should be identified, and the strictest action should be taken.'
- Public
- Relatives of victims gathered outside the mortuary, mourning the loss of the newborns.
Still unverified
The exact cause of the fire is unconfirmed; initial reports suggest an air-conditioning compressor explosion, but investigators have not officially confirmed. The number of newborns in the ward varies slightly across reports (15 or 16), with one rescued.