Islamabad PIMS hospital fire: Witnesses say rescue was delayed as blaze killed 14 babies

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   Pakistan suspends eight officials following PIMS hospital fire

   Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered the suspension of eight officials and the start of criminal proceedings after a fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences killed 14 newborns. An interim inquiry found the Islamabad hospital lacked fire safety protocols. Nurse Razia Noreen received national praise for rescuing one newborn in eight seconds after spotting flames through a window while preparing injections for 15 infants.

   Why it matters

   The blaze started around 6:38 a.m. and was characterized by a 16-minute delay in alerting emergency services. Previous reports indicated that emergency exits were either obstructed or locked.

   What is confirmed

   • Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered the suspension of eight officials.
   • A criminal probe has been initiated against those responsible for the fire.
   • An interim inquiry found a lack of fire safety protocols at the Islamabad hospital.
   • The fire killed 14 newborns.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Nurse Razia Noreen rescued a newborn in eight seconds.

   What to watch next

   • Results of the criminal proceedings against the suspended officials
   • Completion of the 24-hour safety audit of all public hospitals ordered by Maryam Nawaz
   Sources used for this update (5)

   1. ny1.com — 1 dead, 14 hurt in fire at Bronx building, FDNY says
   2. www.aljazeera.com — Pakistan suspends eight officials over hospital fire that killed 14 babies
   3. www.cnn.com — 8 officials suspended after probe into Pakistan hospital fire that killed 14 newborns
   4. apnews.com — AP Exclusive: Nurse who saved baby from Pakistan hospital fire wishes she could have saved the rest
   5. www.bolnews.com — Pakistani nurse ‘Razia Noreen’ rescues newborn in eight seconds as PIMS fire sparks national praise
   confidence 95%
2. 5d ago

   Locked exits and delayed alerts cited in PIMS hospital fire that killed 14 infants

   High-level investigators and the Capital Development Authority are reviewing safety failures at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences after a fast-moving fire killed 14 newborns. A CDA report indicates emergency exits were locked or obstructed and notes a 16-minute delay before emergency services were alerted. The fire started around 6:38 a.m. In response, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz ordered a 24-hour safety audit of all public hospitals to prevent further casualties.

   Why it matters

   The tragedy has fueled public anger over state-run healthcare infrastructure. PIMS is a major medical facility in the capital. Records show a separate fire occurred at the PIMS Nursing Hostel reception on July 6.

   What is confirmed

   • A fire at the PIMS hospital nursery killed 14 newborns.
   • The fire began at approximately 6:38 a.m.
   • Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz ordered a 24-hour safety audit of public hospitals.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The fire was sparked by a fault in the air-conditioning system.
   • Emergency exits were locked or obstructed.
   • Emergency services were first alerted 16 minutes after the fire began.
   • A fire broke out at the PIMS Nursing Hostel reception area at 3 a.m. on July 6.

   What to watch next

   • Results of the 24-hour public hospital safety audit
   • Findings from the high-level investigation into the nursery fire
   • Official confirmation of the fire's cause
   Sources used for this update (4)

   1. apnews.com — Pakistani investigators visit hospital nursery where fire killed 14 newborns
   2. dialoguepakistan.com — Islamabad’s PIMS Hospital reportedly faced a fire incident a month ago
   3. www.bolnews.com — Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz orders a 24-hour safety audit of public hospitals after PIMS fire
   4. www.arabnews.pk — CDA report cites locked exits, safety failures after Islamabad hospital blaze kills 14 newborns
   confidence 90%
3. 6d ago

   Islamabad PIMS hospital fire kills 14 newborns

   A fire at Islamabad's Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) hospital has killed 14 newborns. Witnesses report delayed rescue efforts. The blaze was allegedly sparked by a fault in the air-conditioning system. The incident has sparked grief and anger.

   Why it matters

   The fire highlights concerns over patient safety and hospital infrastructure in Pakistan. The country has faced criticism over healthcare standards. The incident has raised questions about hospital safety protocols.

   What is confirmed

   • At least 14 newborns were killed in the fire
   • The fire was triggered by a fault in the air-conditioning system
   • The hospital nursery was the site of the incident

   Still unconfirmed

   • The door to the ward was locked

   What to watch next

   • Investigation into the cause of the fire
   • Response from hospital administration
   • Potential legal action against those responsible
   Sources used for this update (9)

   1. CBS News — Fire in Pakistan hospital nursery kills at least 14 newborns, officials say
   2. The New York Times — At Least 14 Newborns Die in Hospital Fire in Pakistan’s Capital
   3. BBC — Islamabad PIMS hospital fire: Witnesses say rescue was delayed as blaze killed 14 babies
   4. The Detroit News — At least 14 infants killed in Islamabad hospital fire
   5. Al Jazeera — Locked inside: Grief and anger as Pakistan hospital fire kills 14 newborns
   6. www.nbcnews.com — At least 15 infants are killed in Islamabad hospital fire, local media reports
   7. www.huffpost.com — More Than A Dozen Infants Killed In Islamabad Hospital Fire
   8. www.bbc.co.uk — Door was locked at Pakistan hospital where fire killed 14 babies, witnesses say
   9. abcnews.com — Fire at hospital nursery in Pakistan’s capital kills 14 newborns, officials say
   confidence 90%