PIMS fire death toll reaches 15 after infant dies during treatment

Sole surviving infant dies in ICU

Aizal was the only infant rescued alive from the nursery after the fire broke out.

According to reports, a nurse managed to rescue the baby from the affected area.

She was then shifted to the intensive care unit, where doctors continued treatment.

The infant later died during treatment.

Her death has increased the number of children killed in the incident from 14 to 15.

The development has added to the grief of families who lost their newborn children in the fire.

Aizal’s mother shares details

Aizal’s mother, Asifa Bibi, said her daughter was six months and 10 days old.

She said the infant was born on August 12 and was the family’s first child.

According to her mother, Aizal had been affected by smoke during the fire.

The baby was later taken to the ICU for medical treatment after being rescued from the nursery.

Despite efforts to save her life, she died while receiving treatment.

What happened at PIMS nursery?

The fire broke out in the nursery of PIMS’ Mother and Child Health ward in Islamabad on August 26.

At the time, 15 newborns were reportedly in the nursery, according to hospital officials and incident reports. Fourteen infants were initially reported dead, while one baby was rescued alive.

Rescue teams responded to the emergency as the fire spread through the nursery. The incident led to a major rescue operation at the hospital, with emergency teams working to control the blaze and evacuate patients from the affected area.

Fire sparked major rescue operation

According to an initial PIMS report, the fire began after an electrical spark in the nursery and spread rapidly. The report said oxygen points connected to incubators contributed to the rapid spread of the flames. Smoke also affected the infants inside the nursery.

The PIMS administration said doctors, nurses and security personnel took part in the rescue efforts. Staff also evacuated patients from the adjoining gynaecology ward. The initial report said staff moved 73 patients from the same floor to safety within minutes.

Investigation into PIMS fire

The deadly fire prompted authorities to launch an investigation into what caused the incident and whether adequate safety measures were in place.

An inquiry committee later found what it described as “systemic and institutional failure” and identified electrical failure as the most likely cause of the blaze, according to a report.

The findings have raised questions about fire safety arrangements, emergency response systems and preparedness at the hospital. The investigation is also expected to determine responsibility and examine whether existing safety measures were properly maintained.

Nurse praised for rescuing infant

The nurse who rescued Aizal during the fire was praised for her efforts. Staff nurse Razia Noreen entered the affected area and managed to bring the infant out alive.

Also Read: Fuel relief scheme faces dealer concerns

Her actions received recognition from the government following the tragedy. The recognition came as authorities and the public paid tribute to those who took part in the rescue operation.

Aizal’s survival had initially provided a small moment of hope for her family after the deaths of the other newborns. Her subsequent death has now made the tragedy even more painful for the family.

Families left in grief

The deaths have caused deep grief among the families whose newborn children were being treated at PIMS.

The infants were receiving care in the hospital’s nursery when the fire broke out. For the families, the incident has resulted in the loss of children who were already receiving medical treatment and care.

The death of Aizal also means that there are now no surviving infants from the group affected by the fire. The tragedy has continued to raise concerns about the safety of vulnerable patients in hospital nurseries and intensive care units.

Questions over hospital safety

The PIMS fire has also drawn attention to the importance of fire safety in hospitals.

Nurseries and neonatal intensive care units require special arrangements because newborn patients cannot be evacuated without assistance. The incident has highlighted the need for working fire detection systems, emergency exits, trained staff, and rapid evacuation procedures.

Authorities are expected to review safety arrangements following the tragedy. The investigation into the fire could also help identify gaps that need to be addressed to prevent similar incidents in the future.

PIMS tragedy claims 15 infant lives

The death of Aizal marks the latest development in one of the most serious hospital fire incidents reported in Islamabad. The fire initially claimed the lives of 14 newborns, while one infant was rescued and taken to the ICU. Her death has now raised the toll to 15.

The incident has left families mourning and prompted questions about fire safety and emergency preparedness at public hospitals. Further action will depend on the findings of the investigations and any measures ordered by the authorities.