At least 14 newborn babies were killed in a fire that broke out early Wednesday at a nursery in a major government hospital in Pakistan's capital, officials said.
Blaze at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences
The nursery at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences housed at least 15 newborns when the fire erupted, hospital officials said. At least one baby was rescued.
The fire started at around 6.45am after the compressor of an air-conditioning unit exploded inside the nursery, which is part of the hospital's gynecology ward, officials said.
Response and Investigation
Local media said firefighters quickly responded and extinguished the flames, with rescue teams carrying out cooling operations. A hospital spokesperson did not immediately respond to calls seeking comment.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed sorrow over the deaths and ordered an immediate investigation. A statement from his office confirmed that 14 newborns had died.
Sharif said: "A tragedy involving children is an irreparable loss."
