Fire at Islamabad hospital kills at least 15 newborns

A fire at a hospital in Islamabad has resulted in the deaths of at least 15 newborns, according to local media reports. The incident occurred in the facility's gynaecology ward, where 16 infants were present when the blaze started. Only one child was successfully rescued from the ward during the emergency.

Emergency response teams arrived at the scene to combat the fire, though details on the exact cause of the blaze and the timeline of events remain unclear. Authorities have not yet released official statements regarding the incident or preliminary findings into how the fire began.

The death toll represents one of the most serious incidents at a healthcare facility in the country in recent years. Hospital fires pose particular dangers to vulnerable patients, including newborns who require intensive care and cannot be evacuated quickly.

Investigations into the incident are expected to examine factors including the ward's safety protocols, fire prevention measures, and emergency response procedures. Pakistani health authorities are likely to review safety standards across maternity facilities nationwide following the tragedy.