At Least 15 Babies Killed in Fire at PIMS Hospital Islamabad

A fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad resulted in the tragic loss of at least 15 newborn babies on August 26. The blaze erupted in the nursery of the hospital's gynaecology ward around 7:00 am. Rescue officials believe an air-conditioner compressor explosion triggered the fire. Emergency and rescue teams were promptly dispatched to the scene to control the blaze and secure the affected area.

Initial reports from Geo News and Reuters cite the preliminary death toll of 15 newborns, although the figure may be revised as the assessment continues. The exact cause of the PIMS fire remains under investigation, with authorities yet to announce the findings. This incident is expected to prompt serious scrutiny into fire safety, electrical systems, and emergency procedures at PIMS, a prominent hospital providing maternity, neonatal, and children's healthcare services to Islamabad and surrounding regions.