Rescue sources flag serious fire safety lapses at PIMS

Rescue officials have reported that fire safety arrangements at PIMS Hospital were extremely inadequate in connection with the deaths of newborn babies in a hospital fire.

According to rescue sources, the fire hoses did not have couplings, there was no water available at the fire point, and the emergency evacuation routes were locked.

Rescue sources further said that at the time of the incident, no doctors, ward boys, or other staff members were present in the incubation centre.

It may be recalled that 15 newborn babies were burnt to death when a fire broke out in the nursery of the gynaecology ward at PIMS Hospital in Islamabad on Wednesday morning.

According to rescue sources, the fire started in the PIMS nursery at 6:45 a.m. after an air-conditioning compressor exploded. The fire was brought under control, while cooling operations are currently underway.

Hospital officials said that 16 babies were present in the nursery when the fire broke out. A female doctor managed to rescue only one baby, while 15 newborns lost their lives.

According to the administration, an eight-member inquiry committee, headed by the Additional Deputy Commissioner, has been formed to investigate the incident. The committee will determine the cause of the fire.