At least 15 infants were killed after a fire broke out at a hospital in Islamabad, Pakistan, on Wednesday morning, in a tragic incident that has raised serious concerns over safety arrangements at medical facilities.
The fire reportedly broke out in a ward where newborn babies were receiving treatment. Emergency teams rushed to the hospital after the blaze was reported and worked to bring the situation under control.
Several newborns were inside the ward when the fire started. Rescue personnel and hospital staff made efforts to evacuate patients and contain the flames, but a number of infants could not be saved.
Initial information suggested that the fire may have been caused by a fault in the hospital’s air-conditioning system. However, authorities have begun an investigation to establish the exact cause of the blaze and determine whether any negligence was involved.
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed officials to conduct a detailed inquiry into the incident. Authorities have been asked to identify those responsible for any lapses and take appropriate action based on the findings.
The tragedy has sparked concern over fire safety measures, emergency preparedness and the condition of infrastructure in public hospitals. Officials are expected to review safety arrangements at the facility to prevent similar incidents in the future.
