ISLAMABAD — The DNA identification process for the newborns who died in the fire at the Children’s Ward of PIMS Hospital has been completed.
According to hospital authorities, all deceased newborns have now been identified through DNA testing and their remains have been handed over to their parents and families. The tragic incident resulted in the deaths of 14 newborn children, while hospital records indicated that 15 children had been admitted to the ward.
Initial reports indicated that the fire started in the air-conditioning unit of the children’s ward and spread rapidly because of oxygen connections. Rescue teams reached the hospital shortly after the incident and efforts were made to evacuate and shift the children to safer areas and the ICU.
Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said oxygen supply, gas lines and plastic equipment may have contributed to the rapid spread of the fire. However, the exact cause of the blaze is expected to be determined through the ongoing investigation.
Serious questions have also been raised over the hospital’s fire-safety arrangements. Rescue sources reportedly pointed to the absence of necessary couplings in fire hoses, a lack of water at a fire point and locks on some emergency evacuation routes.
The Islamabad district administration has constituted an eight-member inquiry committee to investigate the incident. The committee has been directed to submit its report within 24 hours and will examine the cause of the fire, emergency arrangements and any possible negligence.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has also taken notice of the incident and summoned an emergency meeting at the Prime Minister’s House. Relevant officials and heads of concerned institutions have been called to the meeting, where responsibility for the tragedy is expected to be examined.
Former federal ministers Fawad Chaudhry and Shireen Mazari have also called for the resignation of Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal over the incident.
With the DNA identification process now complete and all the deceased children handed over to their families, attention has shifted to the inquiry: What caused the fire, were adequate safety measures in place, and who will be held responsible for the tragedy?
