ISLAMABAD, Pakistan – A tragic fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad resulted in the deaths of 14 newborn infants on Wednesday, August 26, 2026. The blaze, which broke out around 7 am on the third floor of the hospital's Mother and Child ward, quickly engulfed the nursery section.
According to PIMS officials, 15 newborns were present in the ward when the fire started, with only one infant successfully rescued by a doctor amidst the chaos. Initial reports had indicated a higher death toll, which was later revised to 14 confirmed fatalities.
Investigation Underway into Fire's Origin
The precise cause of the fire remains under rigorous investigation. Rescue officials initially suggested an air-conditioner compressor explosion as a potential trigger, while a PIMS spokesperson pointed towards a short circuit. An inquiry committee, led by the additional deputy commissioner general, has been established to thoroughly investigate how the fire started and to assign responsibility.
Rescue teams, comprising six fire brigade vehicles and four ambulances, were swiftly deployed to the scene to contain the inferno, evacuate personnel, and conduct cooling operations. Although the fire was brought under control, cooling efforts continued for an extended period.
Prime Minister Calls for Urgent Safety Review
The incident has sparked widespread concern regarding fire safety and emergency preparedness, particularly in facilities housing vulnerable patients like newborns. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed profound grief over the loss of life, describing it as an “irreparable loss.”
The Prime Minister has directed authorities to conduct an immediate and detailed investigation, identify those responsible, and take strict action. Furthermore, he ordered a comprehensive review of fire-safety arrangements across all hospitals and called for proactive measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Focus on Hospital Safety Standards
The inquiry committee is expected to scrutinize various aspects, including the condition of electrical systems, the functionality of fire-safety equipment, and the effectiveness of evacuation procedures during the emergency. This tragedy at PIMS, a major public healthcare facility in Pakistan's capital, has intensified scrutiny on safety standards in hospital wards, especially those caring for patients who require assistance during emergencies.