At Least 14 Newborns Died in Fire at Islamabad Hospital Mother‑and‑Baby Ward

A fire broke out in an air‑conditioning unit in the mother‑and‑baby ward of a major hospital in Islamabad, killing at least fourteen newborns, the BBC and France24 reported on Thursday.

Victim Toll and Scene

The blaze left a ring of smoke and shattered glass around the unit, as witnesses recalled herded babies still in incubators and mobile cribs. Emergency crews rushed to the scene, but the heat and smoke made rescue attempts extremely difficult.

Cause of the Fire

Local media suggest the root of the incident was a malfunctioning air‑conditioning unit that began smoking and erupted into flames, according to online reports.

Parental Reactions

Parents of the affected infants gathered outside the hospital in a visible display of grief, holding signs and pleading with authorities to investigate the cause of the tragedy.

Investigation and Next Steps

The hospital has not yet released a statement on the investigation, though officials are reportedly reviewing the maintenance records of the affected unit to determine fault.