A fire at a maternity ward in Islamabad kills 14 newborn babies, with some reports putting the death toll at 15. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif orders an investigation into the incident at the hospital in Pakistan’s capital.
According to reporting, the blaze breaks out on the third floor of the maternity unit and spreads rapidly shortly after around 6:30am. A preliminary committee inquiry, convened by the prime minister, finds the unit is engulfed within about two minutes and indicates limited time for staff to respond. Several outlets report that a nurse is able to save only one baby.
Authorities also take personnel action: outlets agree that eight officials are suspended and that criminal proceedings are pursued in connection with the fire. Some reports cite a faulty air conditioner as a possible cause, while Al Jazeera says the interim inquiry points to failures in fire safety protocols. Multiple sources state Sharif removes a senior health official and calls for immediate investigation and accountability.
