ISLAMABAD: More details have emerged about the deadly fire at PIMS Hospital that killed 14 newborn babies, with rescue officials pointing to serious shortcomings in the hospital’s fire safety arrangements.
Rescue sources said the hospital’s fire hoses lacked couplings. They also said no water was available at the fire points.
In addition, emergency evacuation routes were reportedly locked at the time of the incident.
Rescue officials said no doctors, ward attendants or other staff members were present inside the incubation centre when the fire broke out.
They also reported that emergency exit doors were locked, raising further questions about the hospital’s emergency preparedness.
The fire broke out at around 6:45 am on Wednesday in the nursery of the gynaecology ward, according to rescue sources.
Rescue officials said an air-conditioner compressor exploded and triggered the blaze. They said firefighters later extinguished the fire and began cooling operations.
However, accounts of the number of babies inside the nursery differ. Hospital officials said 16 babies were present when the fire started.
A female doctor managed to rescue one baby, while 14 others died, hospital head Iman Sikandar confirmed.
Meanwhile, affected parents accused the authorities of a delayed response. They claimed rescue teams arrived two hours after the incident, while police reached the hospital four hours later.
The parents demanded action against the hospital administration.
Following the tragedy, the Islamabad administration formed an eight-member inquiry committee to investigate the incident.
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An additional deputy commissioner is leading the committee. It will determine the cause of the fire and examine the safety arrangements at the hospital.
The latest revelations have raised fresh questions about fire safety, emergency exits and the hospital’s response during the deadly incident.
