The PIMS administration has issued its account of the deadly fire in the children’s nursery ward in Islamabad, saying staff and emergency responders risked their lives to rescue patients while all available fire safety equipment was deployed. The administration said the fire started at 6:38am after a spark ignited in the nursery and spread rapidly within seconds because of oxygen points. A powerful explosion at 6:39am then caused the ceiling to collapse, while investigations continue to establish the exact cause and identify those responsible.

According to the initial report cited by the PIMS administration, a spark ignited the fire in the nursery at 6:38am. The flames intensified rapidly because of the oxygen points in the ward. One minute later, at 6:39am, a powerful explosion occurred, causing the ceiling to collapse. The administration said the exact circumstances surrounding the incident would be established after investigations are completed. Two doctors and two nurses who were present in the nursery immediately began a rescue operation after the fire broke out.

The medical staff worked to move children and patients to safety despite the dangerous conditions inside the ward. According to the administration, one newborn was rescued from the nursery, while four children were rescued from an adjoining room. Three mothers were also moved to a safe location during the rescue operation. PIMS said medical and security staff risked their own lives while attempting to save the children and other patients caught in the emergency. The rescue effort extended beyond the nursery, with 73 patients from the gynaecology ward on the same floor safely evacuated within a few minutes.

The administration said the swift evacuation helped prevent further loss of life and property. PIMS appreciated the doctors, nurses, medical staff, security personnel and emergency responders who took part in the rescue operation under extremely difficult circumstances. The administration said the timely response prevented the tragedy from becoming even more severe. PIMS administration said all available fire safety equipment was deployed to bring the blaze under control. A total of 35 fire extinguishers were used during the firefighting effort, alongside other available fire safety equipment.

The administration also rejected any suggestion that emergency exits were inaccessible, stating that all emergency exits were fully open and functional during the incident. PIMS said investigations into the fire are continuing at various forums. The administration said the causes of the incident and the elements responsible will be determined in light of the final investigation report. It stressed that the initial account should be considered in the context of the ongoing investigation, with the final report expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the fire.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)