Photo courtesy of Anadolu
At least 14 newborns died Wednesday after a fire broke out in a nursery at a major government hospital in Pakistan’s capital, officials said.
The blaze started at around 7 a.m. on the third floor of the Maternal and Child Health Ward of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, where 15 babies were receiving treatment.
Authorities initially said firefighters quickly brought the blaze under control and transferred 14 critically burned infants to an intensive care unit. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s office later confirmed that the babies had died.
Hospital spokesperson Dr. Aneeza Jalil said investigators initially suspected an electrical short circuit as the cause of the fire, according to local media. Other reports pointed to a possible malfunction in the hospital’s air-conditioning system.
Sharif expressed sorrow over the deaths and ordered an immediate investigation into the incident.
He directed authorities to determine what caused the fire, identify those responsible and take action if negligence or safety failures were established.
The Islamabad administration formed an inquiry committee led by the additional deputy commissioner general to examine the circumstances surrounding the blaze.
The panel was also tasked with determining whether lapses in hospital safety systems contributed to the deaths and identifying officials or personnel who may be held accountable. (Anadolu)
