At least 14 newborn babies have died after a devastating fire broke out at the maternity ward of a hospital in Islamabad, Pakistan.
The blaze reportedly started after an air-conditioning unit exploded on the third floor of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) hospital, leaving dozens of people trapped inside.
Emergency crews rushed to the hospital as fire engines, ambulances and rescue personnel were deployed to evacuate those caught inside the building.
A total of 19 people were reportedly rescued from the affected area, including one newborn baby, six other children, 10 women and two men.
The survivors were taken to intensive care units for further medical treatment following the incident.
The deadly blaze sparked a major emergency response at PIMS, with police officers and members of the Anti-Terrorist Squad also seen at the hospital as rescue operations were carried out.
Officials said the fire was believed to have originated on the hospital’s third floor, although the information provided did not give further details on the exact cause of the blaze beyond reports involving the air-conditioning unit.
The incident has caused widespread shock, particularly because of the high number of newborn victims, while authorities continue to deal with the aftermath of the hospital fire.
