PIMS hospital fire kills 14 infants, investigation launched
Fourteen newborns died after a fire broke out at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences hospital in Islamabad early Wednesday.
The blaze started on the third floor of the Mother and Child Health Ward, where newborn babies were being cared for.
Officials said the fire appeared to have been caused by a short circuit, but the exact cause has not yet been officially confirmed.
The tragic incident prompted a major emergency response involving rescue teams, police and fire brigade vehicles.
Fire breaks out in newborn ward
The fire erupted in the ward at around 7am, according to hospital officials.
PIMS spokesperson Dr Aneeza Jalil told that 15 babies were present in the ward when the fire started.
She said at least one baby was saved by a doctor during the emergency.
The Islamabad administration said the fire was brought under control after rescue teams reached the hospital.
Six fire brigade vehicles and four ambulances took part in the rescue operation.
Rescue workers faced difficult conditions while trying to reach the affected area and remove people from the building.
Television footage showed rescuers using ladders and entering through broken windows to reach the affected section.
Officials said the babies were later shifted to the intensive care unit after the blaze was brought under control.
The incident caused panic among patients, families and hospital staff as emergency teams worked to control the situation.
Officials confirm 14 deaths
The Islamabad district administration confirmed that 14 infants died in the fire.
According to the administration, the children were “completely burnt” in the blaze.
Islamabad Chief Commissioner Sohail Ashraf Goraya said authorities received an emergency call at 6:54am.
“Rescue teams, AC Industrial area, police and myself immediately reached at site and controlled the fire. We shall keep you updated regarding casualty or any other news,” he wrote on X.
Islamabad Inspector General of Police Ali Nasir Rizvi also reached the hospital to review the rescue and relief efforts.
The large emergency response helped bring the fire under control, but the deaths of the newborns turned the incident into a major tragedy.
Families and relatives gathered around the hospital as officials worked to manage the aftermath.
Emergency
— Sohail (@SohailAshrafGor) August 26, 2026
Fire Call
PIMS Hospital (MCH)
Call Time 0654
Rescue teams, AC Industrial area, police and myself immediately reached at site and controlled the fire. We shall keep you updated regarding casualty or any other news @CDAthecapital.
Short circuit suspected as cause
Hospital official Professor Imran Sikandar said the exact cause of the fire had not yet been established.
A short circuit was suspected, based on the initial assessment, but officials said an investigation would determine what actually caused the blaze.
The district administration has formed an inquiry committee headed by an additional deputy commissioner general.
The committee will investigate how the fire started and examine the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The inquiry is also expected to look at the safety arrangements in the affected ward and whether emergency procedures were properly followed.
Authorities have not yet announced the findings of the investigation.
Families describe difficult evacuation
The fire also created serious difficulties for patients and their families inside the hospital.
Malik Israr, whose niece was admitted to the gynaecology ward, told Dawn that the nursery was located in a building where repair and renovation work was taking place.
“After the fire erupted, they told patients to vacate the building. Women who had just given birth had to rush down the stairs from the second floor,” he said.
His account highlighted the difficulties faced by women who had recently delivered babies while trying to leave the building during the emergency.
The presence of renovation work has also raised questions about the condition and safety of the building.
However, any connection between the renovation work and the fire will need to be established through the official investigation.
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Prime minister orders investigation
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of the 14 infants.
He ordered an immediate investigation into the incident and said strict action would be taken against those found responsible.
The tragedy has also drawn attention to the need for stronger emergency systems in hospitals.
Senate Chairman Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani expressed grief over the deaths and offered condolences to the affected families.
He said hospitals must have effective safety measures, fire protection systems and proper arrangements for dealing with emergencies.
“Any negligence in safety measures is unacceptable,” Gilani said.
He also called for a comprehensive investigation and practical steps to prevent similar incidents in the future.
اسلام آباد : 26 اگست 2026.
— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) August 26, 2026
وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف نے پمز ہسپتال کی نرسری میں آتشزدگی کے اندوناک واقعہ میں 14 نومولود جاں بحق ہونے پر گہرے دکھ اور دِلی افسوس کا اظہار کیا. وزیراعظم نے معصوم بچوں کے لواحقین سے دلی اظہار تعزیت کیا۔ وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف نے آتشزدگی کے افسوسناک…
Hospital safety under scrutiny
The PIMS fire has raised wider questions about fire safety in hospitals, particularly in areas where newborns and critically ill patients cannot be moved easily.
Newborn wards require special emergency arrangements because babies may depend entirely on medical staff for movement and evacuation.
The incident has therefore increased pressure on authorities to review fire alarms, evacuation routes, emergency exits and firefighting equipment.
Hospitals also need clear plans for protecting patients who cannot walk or move without assistance.
The investigation into the PIMS fire may help identify whether any weaknesses existed in these systems.
Officials are expected to determine whether safety procedures were followed and whether any negligence contributed to the tragedy.
