26/08/2026
The tragic PIMS incident in Islamabad happened on Wednesday, August 26, 2026. It was a devastating fire in the Mother & Child Hospital/NICU (neonatal ward) of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS).
What happened
The fire broke out at around 6:45–7:00 a.m. on the third floor of the Mother & Child Health ward.
Around 15–16 newborn babies were reportedly in the affected nursery at the time.
14 newborns died, while at least one baby was rescued alive.
Rescue teams, including six fire brigade vehicles and four ambulances, responded and brought the fire under control.
Initial reports differed on the exact cause: hospital officials initially described it as a short circuit, while the Health Minister and rescue sources said an air-conditioner compressor/explosion may have started the fire. The investigation is intended to establish the definitive cause.
Officials said the presence of oxygen/gas cylinders and lines contributed to the rapid spread of the fire.
The heartbreaking part
The babies were extremely vulnerable—many were in incubators or receiving oxygen. As the fire spread rapidly, rescuers had to enter the affected area and emergency efforts were made to save the infants. One newborn was reportedly rescued by a doctor.
The deaths triggered grief and anger among families, with questions being raised about fire-safety arrangements, hospital management and emergency preparedness.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered an immediate investigation and called for those responsible to be identified and dealt with.
Important: Early reports have contained conflicting figures (14 vs. 15 deaths) and different descriptions of the cause. The latest official reporting I found confirms 14 newborn deaths, with the investigation still underway.
