At Least 14 Infants Killed in Fire at Islamabad Hospital

At least 14 newborn babies have died after a fire broke out in the nursery of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad, according to rescue officials and local media reports.

The fire erupted in the gynaecology ward of the hospital on Wednesday morning. Initial reports indicate that the blaze was triggered by a malfunction involving an air-conditioning system, with rescue sources saying an air-conditioner compressor exploded inside the nursery.

Emergency and rescue teams rushed to the hospital to bring the fire under control and evacuate those in the affected area.

Reports on the exact death toll have varied as authorities continue to assess the incident. Some local reports have since placed the number of newborns killed at 15, while Reuters initially reported at least 14 deaths.

The incident is still developing, with further details expected as authorities investigate the cause of the fire and the circumstances surrounding the deaths.