A fire broke out in the nursery of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad early Wednesday, killing 14 newborn babies and prompting authorities to launch an investigation into the cause of the blaze and the hospital’s fire-safety arrangements.
The fire erupted at around 6:45 to 7:00 a.m. on August 26 on the third floor of the Mother and Child Health (MCH) Ward, where the neonatal facility was located. PIMS officials said 15 babies were in the ward at the time and that at least one infant was rescued by a doctor.
Earlier reports had cited a death toll of 15, but officials later confirmed that 14 newborns had died. The casualty figure should therefore be reported as 14 based on the latest official and hospital accounts.
Air-conditioning unit suspected in PIMS fire
Initial reports linked the PIMS nursery fire to an air-conditioning unit. Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal said an air-conditioning unit allegedly exploded and triggered the blaze, while the presence of oxygen in the ward intensified the fire.
PIMS spokesperson Dr Aneeza Jalil also confirmed that the fire started at around 7 a.m. However, she initially said the blaze appeared to have been caused by a short circuit, highlighting the need for a formal investigation before the exact cause is established.
Rescue teams responded within minutes. According to the Capital Emergency Service and CDA Fire Department, the fire call was received at 6:54 a.m., with rescue and firefighting teams reaching the hospital within seven minutes. Six fire brigade units and four ambulances were deployed during the emergency response.
Investigation launched into PIMS hospital fire
The Islamabad district administration has formed a fact-finding committee to determine what caused the fire and identify the factors that contributed to its spread.
The committee, headed by the Additional Deputy Commissioner (General), includes representatives from the Capital Emergency Services, Capital Development Authority, Islamabad Police, IESCO and PIMS.
The committee has been tasked with determining the exact cause of the PIMS fire, assessing whether adequate and functional fire-safety measures were available, and examining the response time and effectiveness of firefighting and rescue operations.
Authorities have directed the committee to submit its findings within 24 hours.
Questions over hospital fire safety
The deaths have raised questions about fire safety at PIMS Islamabad, particularly the preparedness of a neonatal facility where critically ill newborns may depend on incubators and oxygen support.
Health Minister Mustafa Kamal said the oxygen present in the ward contributed to the intensity of the fire. Officials are expected to examine the nursery’s electrical systems, firefighting equipment, emergency exits and evacuation procedures as part of the inquiry.
PIMS is Islamabad’s largest public-sector hospital and serves patients from the capital as well as surrounding areas. The incident has prompted calls for accountability and a detailed review of safety arrangements in sensitive hospital wards.
The investigation will determine the precise cause of the PIMS nursery fire, whether safety protocols were adequately implemented and whether any negligence contributed to the deaths.
