Initial report reveals how fire started in PIMS hospital nursery

An initial report has revealed details about the fire that broke out in the nursery of Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) Hospital in Islamabad resulting in the deaths of several newborn babies.

An initial report has revealed details about the fire that broke out in the nursery of Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) Hospital in Islamabad resulting in the deaths of several newborn babies.

According to the hospital administration the fire started at around 6:38 a.m. when a spark ignited inside the nursery. The blaze reportedly spread rapidly within seconds.

The initial report said oxygen points installed near the incubators caused the fire to intensify suddenly. The presence of oxygen contributed to the rapid spread of the flames creating an extremely dangerous situation inside the nursery.

Two doctors and two nurses immediately began a rescue operation after the fire broke out. Security personnel also joined the effort as hospital staff attempted to evacuate the newborn babies.

According to the administration, staff members tried to enter the nursery twice to rescue the children. At approximately 6:39 a.m. an explosion occurred causing parts of the ceiling to collapse and making the rescue operation even more difficult.

Despite the dangerous conditions, on-duty staff managed to rescue four babies from a room adjacent to the nursery. Three mothers were also moved to a safe location during the emergency response.

The hospital administration said that 73 patients from the gynaecology ward located on the same floor were evacuated safely within a few minutes.

Hospital staff reportedly used all 35 fire extinguishers installed at the facility in an effort to control the blaze. The administration also stated that all emergency exits were open and operational during the incident.

The tragic fire has raised serious concerns about fire safety and emergency preparedness in hospitals particularly in areas where newborn babies require constant medical support and oxygen.

The PIMS administration expressed condolences to the families who lost their newborn children in the incident.

The initial findings are expected to form part of a wider investigation into the cause of the fire the hospital’s fire safety arrangements and the response of staff during the emergency.

The incident has also prompted renewed attention to fire safety measures in hospitals across Pakistan. Authorities are expected to examine whether existing safety systems oxygen infrastructure and emergency procedures were adequate to protect vulnerable patients.

Further investigations will be required to establish the complete circumstances surrounding the PIMS nursery fire and determine whether any safety failures contributed to the tragedy.