Fourteen newborns died in a fire at PIMS in Islamabad, while one infant was rescued and multiple committees were ordered to investigate the tragedy.
ISLAMABAD: Fourteen newborn babies have died after a fire broke out in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad early Wednesday, Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said.
Speaking to the media at PIMS, Chaudhry described the incident as an extremely painful human tragedy and said one newborn was rescued by a member of the hospital staff.
The minister said the fire broke out at around 6:45 a.m. Initial reports suggested short-circuiting as a possible cause, while the possibility of an explosion involving an air-conditioner compressor was also being examined. He stressed that the final cause had not yet been established.
A forensic team was examining the scene to determine how the fire started and how it spread. Chaudhry said the presence of oxygen lines, cylinders and other equipment in the NICU contributed to the rapid spread of the fire.
He said some of the newborns were only a few hours old, while others were about a day old. According to the minister, most of the deaths appeared to have resulted from suffocation and smoke generated by burning plastic.
Around six bodies had been identified and handed over to their parents, while the remaining bodies were being released after completion of the required procedures.
Chaudhry said doctors, nurses and paramedical staff present at the time of the incident remained safe. Mothers who were near the NICU also escaped unharmed.
The minister said an inquiry committee had been formed under the direction of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and headed by the vice chancellor, while the Islamabad administration had constituted a separate committee under the deputy commissioner.
The prime minister has sought an investigation report within 24 hours. Chaudhry warned that if negligence by the PIMS administration is established at any level, strict action would be taken against those responsible.
“No negligence or carelessness will be tolerated in such a painful tragedy,” he said, adding that those found responsible would face punishment.
Chaudhry said he personally inspected the site and that forensic experts were examining all aspects of the incident. The PIMS executive director and health secretary were also present as the investigation continued.
He added that he rushed to PIMS from Jinnah Convention Centre immediately after receiving information about the fire and would brief the prime minister on the initial findings and the situation.
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