Summary PIMS initial report says an electrical spark triggered the nursery fire, with 14 newborns dying from oxygen loss and severe burns.
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - The PIMS hospital administration has prepared an initial report on the tragic fire that claimed the lives of 14 newborn babies at the hospital’s nursery.
According to the preliminary report, the fire broke out after an electrical spark in the wiring and intensified within seconds. The oxygen points installed at each incubator caused the flames to spread rapidly.
The report said the fire generated smoke that entered the babies’ respiratory systems through the piping system. The newborns died due to oxygen being cut off and severe burns.
Two doctors and two nurses on duty immediately began rescue efforts, while security personnel also reached the scene and started evacuating the babies.
According to the report, a powerful explosion occurred at 6:39am, causing ceilings to collapse. The duty staff rescued one newborn from the nursery and four newborns and three mothers from an adjacent room.
The staff also evacuated 73 patients receiving treatment in the gynecology ward on the same floor to a safe location within minutes.
According to the PIMS administration, all 35 available fire extinguishers were used to control the blaze, while all emergency exits were open and operational.
The administration said transparent investigations into the fire were underway at various forums and that the findings were awaited.
Expressing deep grief and sympathy to the families of the deceased newborns, the PIMS administration said every human life was precious and every newborn represented hope and the future.
The administration also appreciated the efforts of the doctors, nurses, other staff members and emergency responders who participated in the rescue operation.
