Fire at PIMS gynaecology ward claims lives of at least 14 newborns

At least 14 infants were killed when a fire broke ​out at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) ‌hospital on Wednesday.

Rescue sources said the fire started after an air-conditioner compressor exploded inside the nursery, Aaj News reported.

Mudasir, ⁠a parent who also lost his child, told *Reuters* that all doors of the ward, except one, were shut and that ​there was “no fire security” in the ward.

There was no immediate comment from the hospital or authorities on the incident.

In a statement, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep grief and sorrow over the tragic fire incident at the nursery of the hospital.

The prime minister took notice of the incident and directed the authorities to conduct an immediate investigation.

“Such a situation involving children is irreparable,” the prime minister said, directing that the causes of the incident be thoroughly examined, those responsible be identified, and strict action be taken against them.

The prime minister also conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, saying he was deeply saddened by the tragic incident and shared the grief of the affected parents.

Later, the PM chaired a high-level meeting on the incident, where he expressed his displeasure.

During the meeting, PM Shehbaz suspended and removed federal Health Secretary Muhammad Aslam Ghauri.

What happened at PIMS

Initial accounts from officials differed over the exact cause of the devastating fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS).

Health Minister Mustafa Kamal told Geo TV that the blaze erupted after an explosion in an air-conditioning unit in the nursery. He said the large amount of oxygen in the ward may have contributed to the rapid spread of the fire.

An earlier report by the Capital Development Authority (CDA), however, cited an electrical short circuit or plug overload as the likely cause.

The CDA’s preliminary findings also raised serious concerns about fire safety at the hospital. The report said fire and life-safety arrangements were inadequate, while emergency exits and escape routes were either locked from the outside or obstructed.

It also said hospital security personnel had hindered the fire brigade’s initial response and that crowd management at the scene had been inadequate.

State Minister for Interior Tallal Chaudhry said rescue teams reached the hospital within six minutes of receiving the emergency call and broke windows to reach those trapped inside the nursery. Seven children were rescued, he said.

Chaudhry said investigators would review CCTV footage, examine equipment at the site and record witness statements to determine the cause and circumstances of the fire, including why emergency exits had been locked.

The investigation would also examine how many doctors and nurses were present at the time and whether hospital staff responded promptly to the emergency.

Investigation into safety failures

The Islamabad district administration had earlier set up a multi-agency fact-finding committee and directed it to submit its report within 24 hours.

The committee was tasked with determining the cause of the fire and how it spread, assessing whether adequate safety measures were in place and reviewing the emergency response.

A federal investigation ordered into the tragedy is also expected to examine the condition of emergency exits, the response of hospital staff and other circumstances surrounding the fire.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed condolences to the parents of the newborns, saying he shared their grief and prayed for patience and strength for the bereaved families.

President Asif Ali Zardari described the deaths as an “extremely heartbreaking and irreparable loss” and called for those responsible to be identified and proceeded against in accordance with the law. He also stressed the need for effective fire-safety and emergency arrangements in hospitals, particularly for newborns and other vulnerable patients.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also expressed grief over the deaths, while Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said he was “deeply saddened and heartbroken” by the tragedy.

Dar said the investigation ordered by the prime minister would establish the causes of the incident and ensure that those responsible faced the “strictest action”.

“The safety of our children must remain paramount,” he said.

PM forms high-level inquiry committee

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered the formation of a high-level inquiry committee to investigate the recent fire incident at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), with the panel directed to submit an interim report within 48 hours.

According to a notification issued on Tuesday, retired federal secretary Shahid Khan has been appointed chairman of the committee. Retired Major General Dr Khursheed Utra, Dr Barrister Nabeel Ahmed Awan and the deputy commissioner of Islamabad will serve as its members.

The committee will determine the immediate cause of the fire and establish a timeline of the incident. It will also examine the emergency response and rescue operations by hospital staff, the fire brigade, Rescue 1122 and other relevant agencies.

The inquiry will review compliance with emergency standard operating procedures for the evacuation of newborns, particularly high-risk infants, and conduct a detailed assessment of fire safety infrastructure and adherence to safety regulations at PIMS.

The committee will identify any negligence or responsibility for the incident and recommend necessary reforms to the hospital’s administrative system to help prevent similar incidents in the future.

The interim report containing recommendations on urgent measures will be submitted to the prime minister within 48 hours, while a comprehensive report based on a full investigation and actionable recommendations is due within five days.

The Ministry of National Health Services has been directed to immediately notify the committee and provide it with the required assistance.