ISLAMABAD – At least 14 newborn died after fire breakout at a ward in Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in capital city of Islamabad on Wednesday morning.
A fire broke out on the third floor of the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Ward at PIMS Hospital in the early hours, according to the district administration.
Rescue teams immediately reached the hospital after receiving information about the fire. Six fire brigade vehicles and four ambulances took part in the emergency response.
The fire was brought under control, while children were evacuated and shifted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
According to the district administration, a total of 14 children lost their lives in the incident.
An inquiry committee has been formed under the Additional Deputy Commissioner General to investigate the incident and determine the cause of the fire.
Islamabad Chief Commissioner Sohail Ashraf said they received emergency fire call at 6:54 am.
“Rescue teams, AC Industrial area, police and myself immediately reached at site and controlled the fire. We shall keep you updated regarding casualty or any other news,” he said in a post on X.
Emergency
Fire Call
PIMS Hospital (MCH)
Call Time 0654
Rescue teams, AC Industrial area, police and myself immediately reached at site and controlled the fire. We shall keep you updated regarding casualty or any other news @CDAthecapital.— Sohail (@SohailAshrafGor) August 26, 2026
PIMS ED Imran Sikandar said an investigation has been launched to determine cause of the fire at the MCH ward. He said one newborn and several adults were rescued after the incident.
A citizen expressed sorrow over death of newborn babies while expressing concerns at poor facilities at the hospital.
“Very sad to hear the death of 14 newly born babies as a result of fire that broke out this morning at Pims,Islamabad. It is considered the top hospital in Islamabad but as my personal experience goes,it is a very poor facility as compared to PAF Hospital.Its renovation is a must,” he wrote.
Very sad to hear the death of 14 newly born babies as a result of fire that broke out this morning at Pims,Islamabad. It is considered the top hospital in Islamabad but as my personal experience goes,it is a very poor facility as compared to PAF Hospital.Its renovation is a must
— Yusuf Mir (@YusufMir1903) August 26, 2026
🚨اسلام آباد: پمز اسپتال کی نرسری میں AC کمپریسر پھٹنے سے خوفناک آگ بھڑک اٹھی، جس کے نتیجے میں 15 نومولود بچے جاں بحق ہو گئے۔ ریسکیو ٹیموں کی امدادی کارروائیاں جاری۔
#Islamabad #PIMS #BreakingNews pic.twitter.com/StAFZEAq5e— Zahid Khawaja 🪩 (@khawajaNNInews) August 26, 2026
This is a developing story…
