Hospital Nursery Fire in Pakistan Kills Fourteen Newborns and Prompts Investigation

A fire at Pakistan's largest hospital has killed 14 newborns in its nursery. ABC45 reported that an air conditioner explosion sparked the blaze at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in Islamabad. One baby was rescued from the flames. The government has launched an investigation into the cause and whether the hospital had adequate fire-safety measures in place.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered the removal of Health Secretary Aslam Ghauri from office following the tragedy. WUTV29 confirmed that six babies' bodies have been handed over to families, with the remaining bodies expected to be released soon. The fire remained confined to the nursery with no other injuries reported.
The fire started when an air conditioner malfunctioned and exploded in the nursery unit. Fox11Online reported that the explosion happened at Pakistan's main government hospital in Islamabad. The fire spread quickly through the newborn ward, trapping the most vulnerable patients. Emergency responders arrived but could not save most of the infants in the unit.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif acted swiftly by firing Health Secretary Aslam Ghauri. WGXA noted that authorities are investigating whether the hospital followed proper fire-safety protocols. The inquiry will examine building codes, emergency exits, and alarm systems. Officials need to determine if negligence contributed to the high death toll among newborns.
WLOS reported that six of the 14 babies' bodies have been released to their families. Hospital staff are preparing the remaining eight bodies for handover in coming days. The tragedy has sparked national outrage over medical facility safety standards across Pakistan. Parents are demanding accountability and changes to prevent similar disasters.
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