Atleast 14 infants killed in Islamabad hospital fire

At least 14 newborn infants were killed after a fire broke out at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) hospital in Islamabad on Wednesday, according media reports. The fire broke out on the third floor of the Mother and Child Health Ward at the state-run hospital. The affected area housed newborn babies in a nursery. Local broadcaster Geo TV reported that the blaze was triggered by a fault in the hospital's air-conditioning system. Other reports said an air-conditioning compressor may have exploded inside the nursery, causing the fire to spread rapidly. 
Rescue teams, firefighters, police and other emergency personnel reached the hospital after the fire was reported shortly before 7 am. The blaze was brought under control, and cooling operations were carried out at the site. 
Reports said one newborn was rescued from the affected nursery, while the other infants died in the fire. Authorities sealed off the affected ward as rescue and investigative operations continued. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow over the deaths and directed authorities to conduct an immediate investigation into the incident and take action against those found responsible.The fire has raised concerns over safety and emergency preparedness at major healthcare facilities in Pakistan. Authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the blaze, including the reported air-conditioning system fault.