PIMS fire inquiry report finds major safety failures behind deaths of newborns
A 43-page inquiry report into the deadly fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) has held the hospital administration responsible for major safety failures that led to the deaths of 14 newborn babies, Aaj News reported on Tuesday. According to the report, the fire killed 14 newborns, while one baby was rescued safely. The inquiry committee found that serious fire-safety…
A 43-page inquiry report into the fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) has concluded that the hospital's administration is to blame for the deaths of 14 newborns. The report, released Tuesday, states that the fire killed 14 infants, while one was rescued. The committee found that the fire originated from an electrical cable connected to air conditioner No. 2, with a short circuit likely causing the blaze.
The National Forensic Agency ruled out the incubators or warmers as the fire's point of origin, finding no evidence of arson or an oxygen leak. The 10-bed nursery was overcrowded with 15 newborns at the time, most of whom depended on oxygen or respiratory support. The facility lacked adequate emergency evacuation procedures and an effective automatic fire-detection system.
The report also noted delays in seeking external assistance, with the fire detected at 6:38pm and external help arriving at 6:55pm. Despite multiple safety deficiencies, the committee acknowledged the efforts of medical staff during the incident and defended nurse Razia Noreen, who risked her life to rescue a newborn.
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