Punjab Newsline | Islamabad

A devastating fire broke out in the gynecology ward of Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), a major government hospital in Islamabad, on Wednesday, with reports suggesting that 15 newborn babies may have lost their lives.

According to local media reports, the fire erupted early in the morning and quickly filled the ward with thick smoke. While Geo News reported that 15 infants died in the incident, officials have not yet confirmed the exact number of casualties.

PIMS spokesperson Dr. Anija Jalil told Dawn that there were 15 babies in the affected ward at the time of the fire. However, she noted that some infants may have been discharged during the night, making it difficult to verify the exact number of victims immediately.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the fire may have been caused by a short circuit. Rescue officials said an air-conditioner compressor inside the hospital's nursery reportedly exploded, triggering the blaze and causing smoke to spread rapidly throughout the ward.

The fire was brought under control, and cooling operations were underway. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.