At least 14 infants killed in fire at PIMS hospital in Islamabad, reports say

Islamabad: At least 14 infants were killed on Wednesday after a fire broke out in the gynaecology ward of a major hospital in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, according to Geo News.

The fire broke out at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), one of the capital’s largest and best-equipped public hospitals.

However, there has been no official confirmation of the reported death toll so far.

PIMS spokesperson Dr Aneeza Jalil told Dawn that 15 babies had been present in the ward where the fire broke out.

“Some of the babies may have been discharged during the night, so the exact number [of casualties] cannot be shared right now,” she said.

The fire reportedly started at around 7am. Dr Jalil said it appeared to have been caused by a short circuit.

Firefighters brought the flames under control, although the cooling operation was expected to take some time, she said.

Authorities are expected to establish the exact number of casualties and investigate the circumstances that led to the fire.