Door was locked at Pakistan hospital where fire killed 14 babies, witnesses say

At dawn on Wednesday, a devastating fire erupted in the maternity ward of Pakistan's Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) hospital, claiming the lives of 14 infants. Hivsa Walid and her sister-in-law were near the room when they heard a shout and saw smoke. Without hesitation, they raced downstairs, leaving behind their belongings to save the small, unnamed baby.

The fire started in an air-conditioning unit on the third floor, and only one of the 15 babies present survived. The parents expressed their frustration over the long wait for help, with Jaweria, another victim's mother, claiming the maternity ward's door was locked. It took four hours for police to arrive, and they are now investigating the incident.

The hospital's executive director, Rana Imran Sikander, stated that the door was manned, not locked, due to concerns about baby theft. However, witnesses argue that PIMS' safety protocols were inadequate and that the building lacked proper fire security, exits, and staff presence. Islamabad's Chief Commissioner Sohail Ashraf claimed rescue teams reached the scene immediately after the emergency call, but several eyewitnesses claimed duty staff were absent, forcing rescue teams to break down doors and smash windows to control the flames.

The recent fire highlights Pakistan's ongoing struggles with poor safety laws, building codes, and lax enforcement, resulting in high death tolls from major fires in recent years.