Bilawal condemns ‘worst tragedy’ after PIMS fire

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has expressed deep grief over the deaths of newborn

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has expressed deep grief over the deaths of newborn babies in the fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad.

Bilawal said mothers carry their children for nine months and never expect them to become victims of negligence after birth.

He described the deaths of the newborns as one of the most tragic incidents and said the parents, whose hopes were extinguished shortly after their children were born, were now seeking justice.

“Those parents whose hopes were extinguished as soon as they were lit are helplessly demanding justice,” Bilawal said.

He also criticised the government over what he described as failures in administration and management, saying innocent citizens were paying the price for institutional shortcomings.

The tragedy occurred after a fire broke out in the nursery area of PIMS, resulting in the deaths of 15 newborn babies. The incident has triggered widespread grief and calls for accountability.

According to an initial report prepared by the PIMS administration, an oxygen-related device near an incubator in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) reportedly burst, causing oxygen to catch fire.

The report said the fire generated heavy smoke, which entered the babies’ breathing system through connected pipes. It stated that the infants died due to a combination of oxygen interruption, smoke exposure and burns.

The initial findings indicated that the fire was initially limited but spread rapidly.

However, officials have given different preliminary accounts regarding the cause of the fire. Rescue authorities and hospital officials initially said the blaze was linked to an air-conditioner compressor, while the hospital’s preliminary report pointed to an oxygen-related device.

The presence of oxygen cylinders and equipment in the intensive care area reportedly contributed to the rapid spread of the fire.

One newborn was reportedly rescued from the affected area.

The tragedy has also raised questions about emergency response and the presence of staff in the nursery. Parents and eyewitnesses alleged that staff members were absent when the fire broke out and claimed that doors were closed, making evacuation more difficult.

They also questioned the response time of rescue services.

PIMS Executive Director rejected the allegation that staff were absent from the intensive care unit. He said two doctors, four nurses and other staff members were present in the ICU when the incident occurred.

He also maintained that the hospital had an adequate fire safety system.

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) also said its rescue teams reached the hospital promptly after receiving information about the fire. According to the authority, the teams brought the blaze under control and shifted the affected children to the intensive care unit.

Meanwhile, the bodies of the infants who died in the tragedy have been handed over to their families.

The incident has prompted authorities to launch a formal investigation. The district administration has constituted an eight-member inquiry committee to examine the circumstances surrounding the fire.

The committee has been directed to submit its findings within 24 hours.

Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal has also offered himself for accountability over the incident and said no person found responsible for negligence would be spared.

The conflicting preliminary accounts about the cause of the fire, along with allegations concerning staffing and emergency response, are expected to be examined by the inquiry committee.