ISLAMABAD: An initial report prepared by the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) has linked the deaths of 14 newborns in Wednesday’s fire to oxygen ignition, smoke exposure and severe burns.
The fire broke out in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of Pims’ gynaecology ward, where 15 newborns were present. Only one infant was rescued, while 14 others died, according to hospital officials.
What Caused the Pims Nursery Fire?
According to the initial Pims report, a nebuliser indicating the quantity of oxygen alongside an incubator exploded inside the NICU.
The oxygen subsequently caught fire, while smoke travelled through pipes and entered the infants’ breathing systems.
The report said the newborns died after the oxygen supply was cut off and due to burns sustained in the fire. It added that the blaze was initially small but spread rapidly.
Video footage also showed a flame emerging from an air-conditioning unit. Health Minister Mustafa Kamal separately said CCTV footage showed a spark in the air conditioner followed by a fireball that engulfed the room within about a minute.
How Did 14 Newborns Die in the Pims Fire?
Pims officials said 15 newborns were inside the nursery when the fire broke out, with most of the infants either in incubators or receiving oxygen support.
The high concentration of oxygen contributed to the rapid spread of the flames, according to officials.
The fire broke out on the third floor of the Mother and Child Hospital ward. Six fire brigade vehicles and four ambulances were deployed during the rescue operation, according to the Islamabad administration.
When Did Rescue Teams Reach Pims?
The timing of the emergency response has become a point of dispute.
The Capital Development Authority said fire and rescue teams reached Pims within seven minutes of receiving an emergency call at 6:54am.
However, eyewitnesses told local media that rescue teams arrived more than half an hour after the fire began. Some relatives also questioned the availability of medical staff and fire-safety arrangements inside the nursery.
Officials have said the inquiry will examine the response time and effectiveness of the firefighting and rescue operation.
What Action Did PM Shehbaz Sharif Take?
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered an immediate investigation into the fire and directed authorities to identify those responsible.
The prime minister also suspended and removed Federal Health Secretary Muhammad Aslam Ghauri following the incident.
A high-level inquiry committee headed by former interior secretary Shahid Khan was formed to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fire.
A separate fact-finding committee was also constituted to determine the cause of the blaze, examine fire-safety arrangements and assess the response of rescue and firefighting teams.
The committee was directed to submit its findings within 24 hours.
Who Will Investigate the Pims Fire?
The inquiry committees will examine CCTV footage, the source of the fire, oxygen-related equipment, fire-safety measures and the response of hospital and emergency personnel.
Authorities will also determine whether negligence or failures in safety arrangements contributed to the deaths.
The investigation is expected to establish the exact cause of the fire and determine responsibility for any negligence found during the inquiry.