Tragedy Strikes as Fire Claims Lives of 14 Infants in Islamabad Hospital

In a heartbreaking incident early Wednesday, a fire engulfed the gynaecology ward of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) in Islamabad, resulting in the tragic loss of 14 infants. The blaze erupted at around 6:45 am, reportedly due to an air conditioner explosion, which was intensified by the presence of oxygen tanks in the ward.

Witnesses described chaotic scenes as rescue workers scrambled to reach the affected area, using ladders to access broken windows. Families outside the hospital were seen distraught, with one man clearing glass from a shattered window while a woman wept nearby.

Pims spokesperson Dr. Aneeza Jalil confirmed to Dawn that there were 15 infants in the ward at the time, with one baby saved by a doctor amid the chaos. Health Minister Mustafa Kamal elaborated on the dire circumstances, noting that the infants were dependent on incubators and oxygen, which contributed to the fire's severity.

The Islamabad administration mobilized six fire brigade vehicles and four ambulances to the scene, and while the fire was quickly brought under control, it was too late for the 14 infants who succumbed to their injuries. Malik Israr, whose niece was in the ward, expressed deep disappointment that the nursery was situated in a building undergoing repairs, leaving vulnerable patients to navigate dangerous conditions.

In response to the disaster, a fact-finding committee was established by the Islamabad district magistrate to investigate the fire's causes and the adequacy of safety measures in place. This committee will include representatives from various emergency services and government departments, and is expected to present its findings within 24 hours.

The Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, expressed his profound sorrow over the incident and called for a thorough investigation, emphasizing the need for accountability. He remarked, “Such a situation involving children is unbearable,” and urged that those responsible be identified and penalized.

President Zardari also conveyed his condolences, labeling the loss of young lives as “heartbreaking” and insisted on the necessity of robust fire safety protocols in hospitals. Senate Chairman Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani and National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq joined in the chorus of grief, stressing the importance of effective safety systems to prevent future tragedies.

The Pakistan Medical Association condemned the incident, asserting that systemic failures must be addressed to protect lives and calling for immediate action against those responsible for safety oversights. They emphasized the need for a complete overhaul of safety regulations to ensure that healthcare facilities fulfill their primary function of safeguarding lives.

Source: www.dawn.com