At least 13 newborns died early Wednesday morning when a fire broke out in the gynecology ward of the Pakistan Institute for Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad. Rescue officials say the blaze started in the infant nursery after an air‑conditioning compressor exploded.

Islamabad Chief Commissioner Sohail Ashraf reported that an emergency fire call was placed just before 7 a.m. Local fire crews responded quickly, managed to control the flames, and rescued one child from the burning ward.

Hospital officials confirmed that several other infants remain in critical condition, and the death toll could rise as patients receive further medical assessment.

Background on PIMS

PIMS is a government‑run medical university and hospital complex that serves the capital region. Its stated mission is to provide premier, research‑intensive medical education and care in line with international standards.

Unfortunately, hospital fires are not uncommon in Pakistan, especially in public facilities that rely on outdated electrical infrastructure. This incident underscores the urgent need for upgraded safety systems in medical institutions.

Response and next steps

Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the compressor failure and are reviewing safety protocols across the nation’s public hospitals. Families of the victims have been offered counseling and support services.

The tragedy has prompted calls from health officials and community leaders for stricter enforcement of fire‑safety regulations and modernized equipment in all government‑run medical facilities.

Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.