14 infants killed in fire at Pims' gynae ward in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD – A fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences' (Pims) gynaecology ward resulted in the tragic loss of 14 infant lives early Wednesday morning. Footage broadcast on television depicted rescue personnel scaling ladders and breaching windows to reach the impacted area. The Islamabad administration disclosed that the conflagration ignited on the third floor of the Mother and Child Hospital's ward, with six fire engines and four ambulances swiftly mobilizing to the scene.

The administration revealed that the flames were swiftly contained, and the infants were promptly transferred to the intensive care unit. An investigative committee, led by an additional deputy commissioner general, was established to probe the incident. Pims spokesperson Dr. Aneeza Jalil informed Dawn that 15 babies were present in the ward, expressing that at least one infant was rescued by a medical professional.

Malik Israr, whose niece was admitted to the gynecological unit, lamented the unfortunate placement of the nursery in a building undergoing repair and renovation work. Upon the fire's outbreak, patients were instructed to evacuate; however, women who had recently given birth were compelled to descend the stairs from the second floor.

Pims, founded in 1985, is the largest public sector hospital in Islamabad and stands as one of the two oldest healthcare institutions in the capital city. This unfolding narrative will be meticulously updated as circumstances evolve, adhering to the highest standards of timeliness and accuracy by consulting credible sources, including authoritative figures and dedicated staff reporters.