PIMS Administration details timeline of deadly nursery fire

The administration of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) has released a detailed account of the deadly fire that broke out

ISLAMABAD: The administration of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) has released a detailed account of the deadly fire that broke out in the MCH Nursery on August 26, killing several newborns and prompting a major emergency response inside the hospital.

According to the PIMS administration, the fire started at around 6:38 AM and was initially attributed to a spark inside the nursery. The administration said the situation escalated within seconds after the flames came into contact with oxygen points installed near the incubators.

In its statement, PIMS said the fire originated inside the MCH Nursery because of a spark. The administration explained that the flames spread rapidly within seconds because of the oxygen points located in the nursery.

According to the hospital, oxygen points were present alongside every incubator, and the fire eventually reached these points, significantly worsening the situation.

The rapid escalation left staff with limited time to respond as smoke and flames spread through the nursery.

PIMS said two doctors and two nurses were present in the nursery when the incident occurred. The staff immediately alerted the hospital’s security personnel after noticing the fire.

The administration said security staff made two attempts to enter the nursery to rescue the newborns. However, the situation became increasingly dangerous as the fire intensified.

At approximately 6:39 AM, a powerful explosion occurred, followed by the collapse of the nursery’s roof, according to the PIMS account.

Despite the dangerous conditions, hospital personnel continued rescue efforts. PIMS stated that duty staff succeeded in safely bringing one child out of the nursery.

The administration further reported that four children and three mothers were rescued from an adjoining room.

The emergency response was not limited to the nursery. PIMS said staff also evacuated 73 other patients who were receiving treatment in the adjacent Gynae Ward on the same floor.

According to the administration, these patients were moved to safety within a few minutes of the incident.

The evacuation was carried out as hospital staff responded to the rapidly developing emergency and attempted to prevent further casualties in surrounding areas.

PIMS administration said the hospital’s installed fire safety equipment was deployed during the emergency.

The statement specifically noted that 35 fire extinguishers installed in the PIMS nursery were used to fight the fire.

The administration also maintained that all emergency evacuation routes at PIMS were open and functional during the incident.

The details were released as questions are expected to emerge regarding the hospital’s fire safety arrangements, emergency response and the factors that allowed the blaze to intensify so quickly.

PIMS said investigations into the incident are currently being conducted through different forums and described the process as transparent.

The hospital administration said the final findings of the investigations are awaited and are expected to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the fire and the deaths of the newborns.

The administration also expressed condolences to the families who lost their newborn children in the tragedy.

PIMS acknowledged the efforts of hospital employees who responded to the emergency as well as emergency rescue personnel who participated in the rescue and firefighting operation.

The federal government has separately constituted a high-level inquiry committee to investigate the incident. The committee has been given 15 days to complete its inquiry and submit its report.

6:38 AM: The fire breaks out inside the MCH Nursery. The initial PIMS report attributes the fire to a spark.

Within seconds: The flames intensify after reaching oxygen points located alongside the incubators.

6:38 AM: Two doctors and two nurses present inside the nursery alert security personnel.

6:38–6:39 AM: Security staff make two attempts to enter the nursery and rescue the children.

6:39 AM: A powerful explosion occurs and the nursery’s roof collapses.

After 6:39 AM: Hospital staff rescue one child from the nursery, while four children and three mothers are rescued from an adjacent room.

Within minutes: Staff evacuate 73 patients from the adjoining Gynae Ward on the same floor.

During the emergency: PIMS says all available fire safety equipment was deployed, including 35 fire extinguishers installed in the nursery. The hospital also states that emergency evacuation routes remained open and operational.

The investigation into the incident remains underway, with PIMS awaiting the findings of the relevant inquiries. The government-constituted committee is expected to submit its report within 15 days.