Overview
- A blaze broke out in the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences neonatal nursery early Wednesday, killing 14–15 newborns and leaving one survivor while officials and witnesses gave differing counts.
- Rescue and hospital sources said an air‑conditioner compressor or a small blast in incubator‑attached equipment ignited oxygen and started the fire, but investigators have not confirmed a single cause.
- Parents and eyewitnesses said staff were absent from the ward and that NICU doors were locked, which delayed rescue attempts and prompted calls for DNA testing to identify victims.
- The prime minister ordered an inquiry, suspended Federal Secretary Health Aslam Ghori, and named a high‑level committee to investigate as CDA fire‑brigade reports cited blocked emergency exits, missing or expired extinguishers, and other safety failures.
- Reporting and documents show PIMS had a July dormitory fire with no alarms or CCTV, and officials now face pressure to fix hospital fire procedures nationwide, hold individuals criminally or administratively responsible, and improve drills and equipment to protect patients.