PIMS Hospital fire in Islamabad kills 14 newborns

PIMS hospital fire Islamabad newborn deaths fire safety audit Pakistan healthcare

A devastating fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad has resulted in the deaths of 14 newborn babies. The blaze, which occurred in the third-floor nursery of the Mother and Child Hospital, is believed to have been triggered by an explosion in an air conditioning unit. The rapid spread of the flames was reportedly exacerbated by the presence of medical oxygen in the ward.

Investigations by the Capital Development Authority (CDA) have identified critical safety failures, noting that emergency exits and escape routes were found to be permanently locked or obstructed. The report also highlighted that fire and life-safety arrangements did not meet standard requirements. While hospital officials claimed exits were operational, the CDA report suggests security staff may have hindered the initial response of fire crews.

In response to the tragedy, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has dismissed Health Secretary Aslam Ghauri and established a high-powered inquiry committee to investigate the cause and identify those responsible. Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal has offered himself for accountability. Additionally, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has ordered immediate fire safety audits for all government medical centers across her province to prevent similar incidents.

Entities

Aslam Ghauri · Islamabad · Mustafa Kamal · Pakistan · Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences · Shehbaz Sharif

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 1 SOURCE] Preliminary footage suggests the fire intensified due to the presence of oxygen. eawaz.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz ordered an immediate fire safety audit of all government hospitals in the province. dailykhabrain.com.pk
[○ 1 SOURCE] The Karachi Municipal Corporation ordered all medical institutions in Karachi to ensure fire safety measures within three days. www.express.pk
[● 2 SOURCES] At least 14 newborns died following a fire in the gynaecology ward at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS). dailykhabrain.com.pk · eawaz.com
[● 4 SOURCES] A high-powered inquiry committee has been formed to investigate the cause of the PIMS fire. eawaz.com · www.extranoticias.cl · www.promar.tv · www.whec.com
[● 2 SOURCES] Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal offered himself for accountability regarding the PIMS fire. eawaz.com · en.dailypakistan.com.pk
[○ 1 SOURCE] Emergency exits and escape routes at the hospital were found to be permanently locked or obstructed. www.arabnews.pk
[○ 1 SOURCE] Fire and life-safety arrangements at the facility were inadequate and did not meet standard requirements. www.arabnews.pk
[● 3 SOURCES] The fire was caused by an explosion in an air conditioning unit. www.extranoticias.cl · www.promar.tv · www.whec.com
[● 7 SOURCES] 14 newborn babies died in the fire. www.diariodelsur.com.co · www.extranoticias.cl · www.promar.tv · www.arabnews.pk · www.whec.com · +2 more
[● 3 SOURCES] The presence of medical oxygen in the room helped the fire spread rapidly. www.extranoticias.cl · www.promar.tv · eawaz.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif dismissed Health Secretary Aslam Ghauri following the incident. www.promar.tv