PIMS nursery fire: Interim inquiry report presented to PM Shahbaz
How did the fire become deadly?
The PIMS fire tragedy claimed the lives of 14 newborn babies after a fire broke out in the hospital nursery.
An interim inquiry report was presented to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif following his instructions. The report was later made public, but investigators said the exact technical cause of the fire has not yet been finally determined.
According to the PIMS fire report, the fire started at around 6:38pm and spread rapidly. Within about two minutes, the situation had become extremely serious.
The incident has raised questions about the staff present in the nursery and the safety measures available when the fire started.
Emergency response questioned
The inquiry found possible weaknesses in the emergency response and rescue operation. It recommended further investigation into how the situation was handled.
The report said fire safety, evacuation and emergency response procedures were not adequate for the nursery.
Investigators also found no clear evidence of an approved and properly trained fire emergency plan.
There was reportedly a delay of around six minutes between the emergency call and the response. Questions were also raised about the emergency notification system and the fire response chain.
These findings have added to concerns surrounding the PIMS safety failures and whether a quicker response could have reduced the loss of life.
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Safety equipment needs urgent action
The inquiry committee recommended immediate improvements to fire safety arrangements.
These include fire alarms, smoke detectors, emergency lights and other protective equipment.
The committee also called for a complete assessment of fire safety arrangements throughout the facility.
The report referred to a fire at a nursing hostel on July 6. It said recommendations issued after that incident had not been fully implemented.
Investigators said proper implementation of those recommendations could have reduced the risks before the latest incident.
Officials may face disciplinary action
The inquiry committee recommended disciplinary proceedings against the PIMS Executive Director and other officials.
It also recommended action against officials responsible for supervising the nursery.
The contract and training of the private security company should also be reviewed, along with its responsibilities regarding fire safety.
The committee recommended further investigation into possible criminal negligence.
However, it said final responsibility should only be decided after additional evidence and investigations are completed.
Read Also: Pims shifts serious gynae cases to Rawalpindi hospitals after fire
What happens next?
The PIMS fire inquiry has not yet established a final technical cause.
The report said some administrative and safety weaknesses existed before the incident and called for clearer responsibilities, deadlines and monitoring systems.
The newborn deaths PIMS case will require further forensic examination and evidence before final conclusions can be reached.
The inquiry also stressed that the tragedy should not simply be blamed on one individual because several safety and administrative issues may have contributed
