Fire kills 14 newborns at major Pakistan hospital

ISLAMABAD, Aug 26: At least 14 newborn babies were killed in a fire that broke out early Wednesday in the maternity ward of a major government hospital in Pakistan’s capital Islamabad, hospital officials and the government said.

The fire erupted at around 6:45 am local time on the third floor of the Mother and Child Health Ward at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), according to the district administration. Rescue officials said an air-conditioning compressor apparently exploded inside the nursery, triggering the blaze. At least one baby was reportedly rescued.

Islamabad Chief Commissioner Sohail Ashraf said rescue teams, specialists and police rushed to the site and brought the fire under control. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed grief over the deaths and ordered an immediate investigation.

Police said the newborns were severely burned and that DNA testing would be required to confirm their identities before their remains could be handed over to families.

“The loss of children in such circumstances is irreparable,” Sharif’s office said, conveying condolences to the bereaved families.

Fires in large buildings are relatively common in Pakistan, where poor enforcement of safety regulations and building codes has often been cited as a contributing factor.