PIMS Hospital Fire: 14 Newborns Killed as Investigation Committee Formed

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Fire Breaks Out in Children's Ward at Islamabad's PIMS Hospital, 14 Newborns Dead: PIMS Executive Director


A heartbreaking tragedy at Pakistan's largest public hospital in the federal capital has left the entire nation in mourning. A fire that broke out in the nursery of PIMS Hospital claimed over a dozen innocent young lives within minutes. Here's how the incident unfolded, details of the rescue operation, official statements, and the steps taken so far.


How Did the Incident Happen?


A fire broke out around 6:45 AM on Wednesday in the nursery located on the third floor of the Mother and Child Healthcare Centre at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad. According to initial reports, the fire started after an explosion in the nursery's air-conditioning compressor, which also knocked out the hospital's power supply. The fire spread rapidly through the ward, and the situation worsened further once it reached the oxygen supply lines.


Death Toll and Survivors


According to PIMS officials, 16 newborns were under treatment in the nursery at the time of the incident, of whom only one could be rescued alive. PIMS Executive Director Professor Imran Sikandar officially confirmed the deaths of 14 newborns, though some sources have put the toll as high as 15. Rescue officials said a total of 19 people were safely evacuated from the building, including 10 women, seven children, and two men.


Details of the Rescue Operation


Rescue teams reached the site immediately after reports of the fire came in. Six fire tenders and four ambulances took part in the operation. Islamabad Chief Commissioner Sohail Ashraf said rescue teams, specialists, police, and he himself reached the site promptly and brought the fire under control.


Official Statements


The PIMS Executive Director said the exact cause of the fire is yet to be determined, though initial reports point to a malfunction in the air-conditioning compressor, and the incident will be investigated from every angle. The Federal Health Minister said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was deeply saddened by the tragedy and had ordered an immediate investigation, adding that anyone found negligent would not be spared.


Investigation Committee Formed


The district administration has formed an eight-member committee to investigate the incident, to be headed by the Additional Deputy Commissioner General. The committee also includes the Director General of Capital Emergency Services, the SP City, the Assistant Commissioner of I-9, and the Director General of the Capital Development Authority (CDA), who will determine the exact cause of the fire and assign responsibility.


 Pakistan Time Analysis


The incident occurred at approximately 6:45 AM Pakistan local time on Wednesday, August 26, 2026. Within just a few hours of the fire, the rescue operation was completed, the death toll was officially confirmed, and an investigation committee was formed — reflecting both the severity of the tragedy and the swift response at the government level. The investigation committee's final report is expected within the next few days.


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