At least 14 newborn babies killed after fire breaks out in Pakistan hospital

A devastating fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad has tragically claimed the lives of at least 14 newborn babies. The blaze erupted in the hospital's gynecology ward on Wednesday morning, with rescue sources indicating the fire began after an air-conditioner compressor exploded within the nursery unit. Some reports suggest the death toll might be as high as 15 infants.

Emergency services responded to the incident, and cooling operations were reportedly ongoing. The fire, which started around 6:40 a.m. local time, triggered a swift response from authorities.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed profound grief and sorrow over the tragic event at the hospital's nursery. Further details regarding the investigation into the exact cause of the fire and its full impact are expected to emerge.