Prime Minister appoints probe into Islamabad hospital fire that killed 14 newborns
A committee led by a retired federal secretary will investigate the cause of a fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences that claimed 14 infants, while officials review hospital fire-safety measures.
Investigators appointed by the prime minister arrived at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in Islamabad on Thursday to determine the cause of a fire that killed 14 newborn babies. The team, headed by retired federal secretary Shahid Khan, will interview hospital staff, witnesses and families and is expected to submit urgent recommendations within 48 hours and a full report within five days.
A candlelight vigil was held at the site, with civil-society members gathering on the hospital floor and displaying handwritten placards calling for accountability. Police did not intervene and the demonstrators dispersed peacefully.
Hospital officials said the blaze started on the third floor nursery early Wednesday and was quickly contained to that area. Initial statements attributed the fire to an exploding air-conditioning unit, but a preliminary hospital report cited a nebulizer blast that ignited the oxygen-rich environment. The investigative committee will make an independent determination.
All 14 infants were handed over to their families for burial on Wednesday night, with ambulances arranged by the government. The incident prompted the health department in Punjab to review fire-safety systems and emergency-response facilities in hospitals.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif dismissed Health Secretary Aslam Ghauri following the tragedy. UNICEF expressed sadness over the deaths and urged an urgent review and strengthening of fire-prevention and safety standards at health facilities.