15 Infants Reportedly Killed in Fire at Islamabad Hospital

Islamabad, Aug 26: At least 15 infants were reportedly killed after a fire broke out in the gynaecology ward of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), a major public hospital in Pakistan’s capital, on Wednesday.

The incident occurred at around 7 am, with the fire breaking out in a ward where 15 babies were reportedly present, according to media reports. However, hospital authorities had not officially confirmed the number of casualties.

PIMS spokesperson Dr Aneeza Jalil told Dawn that 15 babies were in the affected ward, but some may have been discharged during the night, making it difficult to establish the exact number of casualties.

She said the fire appeared to have been caused by a short circuit and that the flames had been extinguished. However, the cooling process was still underway.

The Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences is one of Islamabad’s largest and best-equipped public hospitals.

Reports of the deaths emerged after the blaze engulfed the gynaecology ward, prompting concern over the safety of vulnerable newborns inside the facility.

Authorities are expected to ascertain the exact number of casualties and determine the circumstances that led to the fire once the situation at the ward is fully brought under control. (Agencies)