A fire that broke out in a nursery for newborns at a major government hospital in Pakistan's capital has killed at least 14 babies, according to officials.
The blaze erupted early on Wednesday at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in Islamabad, where the nursery was housing at least 15 newborns when the fire started, hospital officials reported.
One infant rescued from the blaze
One infant was fortunately rescued from the fire. Officials stated that the fire ignited around 6.45am after the compressor of an air-conditioning unit exploded within the nursery, which is part of the hospital's gynaecology ward.
Local media reported that firefighters swiftly arrived on the scene and managed to extinguish the flames, with rescue teams conducting cooling operations thereafter. Attempts to reach a hospital spokesperson for comment were not immediately successful.
Prime Minister orders investigation
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his grief over the tragic loss of life and ordered an immediate investigation into the incident. His office released a statement confirming the death of 14 newborns in the fire.
Sharif said: "A tragedy involving children is an irreparable loss." He expressed his "heartfelt condolences to the families of the innocent children", adding "his heart is saddened by this tragic incident".
DNA tests needed to identify victims
Emergency responders saved at least 19 people from the hospital, including 10 women, seven children and two men. Police say the newborns who died have been badly burnt, and will need to be identified through DNA tests. Only after this identification can their bodies be returned to their parents.
