A fire at a state-run hospital in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, kills at least 14 newborn babies, with multiple reports putting the death toll at 15. Local media and officials describe the incident as occurring in or near a maternity and nursery area, where several infants die and at least one baby is reported rescued.

Several outlets say the fire starts after an air conditioner compressor explodes. The Independent, Mint and NDTV specifically link the outbreak to an air conditioner compressor blast, including in the maternity or gynaecology/nursery section. Other reports emphasize that the fire erupts in the maternity ward on Wednesday morning (local time). Some sources also note that the number of deaths could rise, citing injuries and critical conditions among surviving children.

Outlet figures differ slightly, reporting 14 versus 15 deaths, while largely agreeing on the hospital location, the maternity ward context, and the suspected role of an air conditioner compressor explosion as the trigger.