According to rescue officials, the blaze originated on the third floor of the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Ward following a reported explosion in the compressor of an air-conditioning unit. The fire rapidly intensified, engulfing the nursery and subsequently spreading throughout the ward.
Hospital administration confirmed that 16 neonates were present in the nursery at the time of the incident. A female physician, demonstrating exceptional bravery, risked her own safety to rescue one infant; however, the remaining 14 newborns sustained fatal burn injuries and succumbed to their wounds.
Emergency response teams, including six fire tenders and four ambulances, arrived at the scene shortly after the incident was reported and immediately initiated rescue and firefighting operations. After a challenging intervention, rescue personnel successfully brought the flames under control, though cooling operations are ongoing in the affected sections of the facility.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed profound sorrow and condemnation over the tragic loss of the infants, describing their deaths as an irreparable loss to the nation. He affirmed that the entire country stands in solidarity with the grieving families.
The Prime Minister has mandated a transparent and thorough investigation into the incident, instructing relevant authorities to ascertain the precise cause of the fire and to determine accountability for any lapses or negligence that may have contributed to the tragedy.
Hossein Amiri - H.Hakimzadeh
