AI Generated Image
Pakistan probes cause of hospital fire in which 14 babies were killed
AP News • • world
Key Points:
- A candlelight vigil was held at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in Islamabad to mourn 14 newborn babies who died in a hospital fire, with families and civil society demanding justice and accountability.
- The fire, confined to a third-floor nursery, killed 14 of 15 babies due to rapid spread, possibly linked to a nebulizer blast in an oxygen-rich environment, though the official investigation is ongoing.
- Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif appointed a committee to investigate the cause, expected to report preliminary findings within 48 hours and a full report within five days, while the Health Secretary was dismissed following the tragedy.
- The incident has prompted nationwide reviews of fire-safety measures in hospitals, with authorities ordering immediate assessments and improvements to emergency response systems.
- UNICEF expressed sadness over the deaths and called for urgent strengthening of fire-prevention and safety standards in healthcare facilities across Pakistan.
