Fire at Islamabad Hospital Nursery Claims Lives of Newborns
A fire at the Mother and Child Centre of PIMS Hospital in Islamabad resulted in the deaths of at least 15 newborns, with reports indicating varying numbers. The fire was reportedly caused by the explosion of an air conditioning unit.
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Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered the suspension of eight officials and initiated criminal proceedings after a fire in a neonatal ward killed 14 babies at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences. The blaze, which started shortly before 7 am, engulfed the nursery due to inadequate fire safety protocols, with only one of the 15 babies being rescued; emergency services were delayed by six minutes in responding. In response to the tragedy, the government has pledged 5 million rupees (about $17,700) in compensation to each affected family, while a nurse who saved a child received a state honor and a cash reward of one million rupees (nearly $3,500).
This week, three newborns died in a neonatal intensive care unit fire in Amravati, Maharashtra, followed two days later by a fire in a maternity ward in Pakistan that killed 14 newborns. These tragedies, caused by a faulty ventilator in India and an exploding air conditioner in Pakistan, highlight systemic failures in hospital safety and emergency response, with both incidents reflecting a pattern of neglect towards vulnerable families in both countries. Despite repeated incidents over the years, including the deaths of 89 people in India's AMRI Hospital fire and smaller incidents in Pakistani hospitals, both nations continue to prioritize political narratives over the safety and lives of their citizens.
A devastating fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) hospital in Islamabad resulted in the deaths of 14 infants, with only one of the 15 present saved, as parents waited hours for assistance. The blaze, originating from an air-conditioning unit, was exacerbated by inadequate safety protocols; eyewitnesses reported locked doors and delayed rescue efforts, with teams arriving nearly two hours after the fire started. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his sorrow over the incident and ordered an immediate investigation, leading to the suspension of Federal Health Secretary Aslam Ghauri.
On August 26, 2026, a fire erupted in the maternity unit of Islamabad's Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, resulting in the tragic deaths of 14 newborns out of 15 in the critical care nursery, with only one baby rescued. The fire, caused by a short circuit in the nursery's air-conditioning unit, was exacerbated by a lack of staff presence and blocked exits, leaving families and witnesses in shock and confusion. This incident follows a similar tragedy in June 2024, where 11 babies lost their lives in a separate hospital fire due to expired fire extinguishers, prompting government investigations and arrests of hospital officials.
At least 14 newborn babies died in a fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) hospital in Islamabad, where an air conditioning unit caused the blaze, reportedly affecting a ward with 15 infants; only one baby was rescued. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has suspended Federal Secretary of Health Aslam Ghauri and ordered an immediate investigation, expressing "deep sorrow and heartfelt regret" over the tragic incident. Witnesses described chaotic scenes as they struggled to help, with emergency responders reportedly taking about two hours to arrive, while 19 other individuals were rescued from the hospital.
A fire in a nursery for newborns at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in Islamabad has resulted in the tragic deaths of 14 babies, with only one newborn rescued. The fire, which was caused by an air-conditioning unit compressor explosion, prompted a swift emergency response and led to the formation of a multiagency committee to investigate the incident and assess fire-safety measures at the hospital. In the wake of the tragedy, officials, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, expressed deep sorrow and called for accountability while families mourned their loss and demanded answers.
At least 14 newborn babies died in a fire that erupted in the maternity ward of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in Islamabad, where 15 babies were present at the time of the incident. One baby was reportedly saved by a doctor, while many of the deceased infants were in incubators or on oxygen, which intensified the blaze. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, with initial suggestions pointing to an air conditioner, and authorities, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, have called for an immediate investigation into the incident.
A fire at a maternity ward in Islamabad, Pakistan, resulted in the deaths of at least 15 infants after an air conditioning unit exploded. Out of the 16 newborns present, only one was rescued amidst the tragedy that occurred around 6:45 a.m. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called for an immediate investigation, emphasizing the need for accountability in this devastating incident.
At least 14 newborn babies were killed in a fire at the Mother and Child Centre of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) Hospital in Islamabad, with some reports indicating the death toll might be as high as 15. The fire, believed to be caused by a malfunctioning air conditioning unit, broke out shortly before 07:00 am local time, and one infant was rescued before firefighters extinguished the flames. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed condolences, ordered an investigation, and emphasized that those responsible would face strict action, highlighting the ongoing issues with safety regulations in Pakistan, where deadly fires are not uncommon.