ISLAMABAD: The interim inquiry report into the PIMS nursery tragedy has revealed that hospital staff made efforts to rescue newborn babies during the fire, while the exact cause of the blaze remains unknown.
The 11-page inquiry report into the incident at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) nursery found that the fire may have originated from an incubator, warmer, air conditioner, electrical plug, socket or wiring.
According to the report, no evidence of a fault or tripping in the external electricity supply was found in the records of the Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO).
The report stated that the nursery was almost completely engulfed by smoke and fire within just two minutes of the blaze starting, making the rescue operation extremely difficult.
CCTV footage reviewed during the inquiry reportedly showed doctors, nurses and security personnel attempting to rescue the newborn babies.
The report also found that the general allegation that doctors and nursing staff abandoned the babies and fled the nursery was not substantiated.
It specifically noted that Staff Nurse Razia managed to safely rescue one newborn from the burning nursery.
The inquiry has not yet established the definitive source of the fire, and further investigation may be required to determine whether an electrical appliance, wiring or another factor caused the incident.
The findings regarding the staff’s response provide important context to the tragedy, particularly concerning allegations about the conduct of hospital employees during the emergency.
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