Sole Survivor Dies After Days in ICU
The only baby rescued alive from the deadly fire at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad has died after spending several days in the Intensive Care Unit. The baby girl had survived the fire that killed 14 newborns at the PIMS nursery on August 26. She was rescued from the burning ward and immediately taken for medical treatment.
Baby Was Rescued From Burning Nursery
The fire broke out in the Mother and Child Health ward at PIMS in the early morning. Hospital officials said at least 15 newborns were inside the nursery when the blaze started. Fourteen babies died, while one was safely rescued from the fire. The rescued baby was later shifted to the ICU for treatment.
Several Days of Treatment
Doctors continued treating the baby after she suffered injuries in the fire. Despite medical efforts, her condition remained critical. She eventually died in the hospital after spending several days in intensive care. Her death means that none of the newborns inside the nursery survived the tragic incident.
PIMS Fire Killed 14 Newborns
The August 26 fire caused widespread shock and grief across Pakistan. The blaze broke out in the nursery of the PIMS Mother and Child Health ward, where newborns were receiving medical care. Rescue officials initially said an air-conditioning compressor had exploded, while other accounts pointed to an electrical fault. An investigation was launched to determine the exact cause of the fire and examine the hospital’s safety arrangements.
Questions Over Fire Safety
The tragedy also raised serious questions about fire safety and emergency procedures at the hospital. Witnesses alleged that some exits were locked during the fire, while PIMS administration said emergency exits were open and operational. The conflicting accounts became a major part of the subsequent investigation.
Families Demand Accountability
The deaths left families devastated and led to demands for a detailed investigation. Parents and relatives questioned whether better fire-safety measures, emergency exits, and faster rescue procedures could have saved the newborns. The government ordered inquiries into the incident and called for those responsible for any negligence to be held accountable.
A Tragedy Deepens
The death of the only surviving baby has added another painful chapter to the PIMS tragedy. What began with the loss of 14 newborns has now ended with the death of the one infant who initially survived the fire. The incident continues to raise concerns about safety standards in hospitals and the need for effective emergency systems to protect vulnerable patients.
