A fire at Pakistan's Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) hospital in Islamabad tragically killed 14 infants. The blaze, believed to have been caused by a faulty air conditioning system, broke out on the third floor of the Mother and Child Hospital's ward. Despite rapid response and rescue efforts, including the saving of one infant by a doctor, the incident has led to significant loss. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed his deep regret and ordered an immediate investigation into the devastating event.

A fire at Pakistan's Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) hospital in Islamabad tragically killed 14 infants. The blaze, believed to have been caused by a faulty air conditioning system, broke out on the third floor of the Mother and Child Hospital's ward. Despite rapid response and rescue efforts, including the saving of one infant by a doctor, the incident has led to significant loss. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed his deep regret and ordered an immediate investigation into the devastating event.

A fire at Pakistan's Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) hospital in Islamabad tragically killed 14 infants. The blaze, believed to have been caused by a faulty air conditioning system, broke out on the third floor of the Mother and Child Hospital's ward. Despite rapid response and rescue efforts, including the saving of one infant by a doctor, the incident has led to significant loss. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed his deep regret and ordered an immediate investigation into the devastating event.

Several infants were killed after a fire broke out at a government-run hospital in Pakistan’s Islamabad on Wednesday.

The Islamabad administration said that 14 newborns were killed after the fire broke out on the third floor of the Mother and Child Hospital’s ward at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) hospital, Dawn reported.

“The fire was immediately brought under control, and the children were immediately shifted to the intensive care unit,” it said.

The fire was reportedly triggered by a fault in the air conditioning system, according to local broadcaster Geo TV.

The fire started when "cooling operations" were ongoing.

Rescue teams rushed to the scene with six fire brigades and four ambulances to conduct a rescue operation. 

The gynaecology ward reportedly had 15 newborns at the time of the fire. One of the infants was rescued by a doctor, according to Geo TV.

About 19 other people were rescued from the fire, including 10 women, seven children and two men. 

Authorities say that the blaze was extinguished. 

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his "deep sorrow and heartfelt regret" over the hospital fire.

He has also instructed authorities to "conduct an immediate investigation", according to the statement from his office. "Such a situation with children is irreparable", he said.

Sharif expressed his "heartfelt condolences to the families of the innocent children", adding "his heart is saddened by this tragic incident".

PIMS is Islamabad’s biggest public sector hospital and one of the two oldest health facilities in the capital.

The hospital had 156 beds in its maternal and child health (MCH) unit, according to its website.

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