Fire in nursery in Islamabad claims at least 14 babies

Government orders investigation

Firefighters and rescue services were deployed in large numbers. According to reports from Islamabad, numerous patients and medical staff were evacuated from the building. The cause of the fire is the subject of ongoing investigations.

The Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences is one of the largest public hospitals in the capital Islamabad and has a heavily used neonatal department. Reports of possible safety deficiencies or outdated infrastructure in the building are now being examined.

The tragedy throws a spotlight on the precarious situation of many public hospitals in Pakistan, which are often overloaded and technically inadequately equipped. As recently as January, 60 people died in a fire in a shopping center in the port city of Karachi.

Precarious safety situation in hospitals

Federal President Asif Ali Zardari and other high-ranking representatives of the country expressed their sympathy. On social networks, many Pakistanis expressed their grief and demanded a thorough investigation of the circumstances.

The government announced that it would provide financial support and medical care to the affected families. An independent commission is also to review the incident and make recommendations for improving safety standards in clinics.

International organizations and neighboring countries reacted with dismay to the news. The United Nations said it stood ready to assist the victims and the Pakistani government if needed.

International condolences

Activists and medical professionals pointed out that fire protection regulations in many Pakistani hospitals are not adequately enforced. Repeated incidents in hospitals, factories, and public buildings have repeatedly claimed lives in recent years.

The identification of the victims and the recovery and handover to the families continued on Wednesday. Many relatives waited outside the hospital for information about their children.