PIMS Hospital Nursery Fire Kills 14 Newborns, One Baby Rescued

ISLAMABAD: At least 14 newborn babies were killed in a tragic fire that broke out at the nursery of the Gynecology/Mother and Child Hospital at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad on Wednesday morning, August 26, 2026. One baby was reportedly rescued alive.

According to initial reports, the fire broke out at around 7:00 a.m. in the nursery of the gynecology ward, where newborn babies were under treatment. Initial information suggested that 16 babies were present in the nursery at the time of the incident, of whom one was rescued alive.

Rescue sources said the fire may have been caused by a malfunction involving an air-conditioning compressor. However, PIMS spokesperson Dr. Aneza Jalil initially said that a short circuit was suspected to be the cause. Authorities said the exact cause of the fire would be determined after completion of the investigation.

Firefighters and rescue teams immediately reached PIMS after receiving information about the blaze. According to the Islamabad administration, six fire tenders and four ambulances participated in the rescue operation. Firefighters brought the blaze under control and subsequently carried out a cooling operation inside the building.

PIMS officials said a doctor managed to rescue at least one baby, while the deaths of the other newborns were confirmed as the situation became clear.

Following the incident, the Islamabad administration launched an inquiry to determine the cause of the fire, assess the safety arrangements at the hospital and establish whether any negligence was involved. An inquiry committee headed by the Additional Deputy Commissioner General has reportedly been constituted.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also took notice of the tragedy and directed that an investigation be conducted and those responsible be identified.

The tragic incident has raised serious questions about fire safety arrangements, electrical systems, air-conditioning equipment and emergency response mechanisms at major public hospitals.

It may be noted that the incident occurred on August 26, 2026. Initial reports differed slightly regarding the number of deaths, with some sources reporting 15 fatalities. However, the latest available information confirms at least 14 newborn deaths. The final official death toll is expected after authorities complete verification and the inquiry.