14 Newborns Killed in PIMS Fire Laid to Rest Amid Nationwide Mourning

ISLAMABAD:The 14 newborn babies who died in a devastating fire at the nursery and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Islamabad, were laid to rest amid tears and grief, as the tragedy plunged the country into mourning.

A grieving father from Shamsabad, Rawalpindi, who said he had welcomed his daughter after four years of prayers and hopes, told the media that no number of inquiries or punishments could bring back the child he had lost.

“Thousands of inquiries may be conducted and punishments may be handed down, but the flower of our home will never bloom again,” he said.

Expressing his frustration over conditions at PIMS, he said the hospital was far too small for the large population it served and that adequate medical treatment and facilities were largely unavailable.

Another devastated mother said happiness had returned to her home after four years, only to be buried within moments.

Most of the bereaved parents chose to remain patient and accept Allah’s will rather than voice complaints. The tragedy has also prompted condolences from the international community and several brotherly countries.

The United Nations expressed heartfelt sympathy with the affected families, describing the loss as unimaginable. International support and assistance in the medical sector have also reportedly been offered to the Government of Pakistan.

Saudi Arabia expressed condolences to the bereaved families, the Pakistani government and the people, reaffirming its solidarity. The Iranian government also expressed deep sorrow over the incident and conveyed sympathy to the grieving families.

According to an initial report issued by the hospital administration, the incident occurred when an oxygen nebulizer attached to an incubator in the NICU suddenly exploded. The presence of oxygen caused the fire to spread rapidly.

The report said the fire generated thick smoke, which entered the nursery through the air pipeline system and affected the babies’ breathing. The newborns died as a result of the interruption of oxygen supply and severe burns, according to the preliminary findings.