Black smoke chokes Pakistan maternity ward as hospital fire kills 14 infants

A fire broke out at a hospital in Islamabad, Pakistan, killing 14 infants. The fire occurred on the third floor of the Mother and Child Health Ward at a public hospital.

According to Punch, the fire was caused by a faulty air conditioner. The blaze started early, with reports suggesting it began around 7am.

Pakistan's prime minister has ordered an investigation into the incident. The authorities have confirmed 14 deaths, although one report from South China Morning Post mentioned 15 fatalities, citing a local broadcaster.

Brief written by urgent.news from Punch, NPR, IOL, Channel News Asia, South China Morning Post — 5 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.