Reality Behind the PIMS Hospital Fire: Eyewitnesses Question Locked Doors and Rush

New details and eyewitness accounts are bringing the reality of the PIMS hospital fire to the public, raising critical questions about locked ward doors, rescue delays, and conflicting official timelines.

A tragic fire broke out in the nursery of the Mother and Child Hospital (MCH) ward of Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) hospital, Islamabad, on August 26, 2026.

According to a PIMS spokesperson, 15 newborn infants were in the ward at the time of the fire, out of which one was rescued and 14 succumbed to death. All the bodies of the deceased children had been handed over to their families.

He initially stated that a spark inside the nursery started at around 6:38 AM and spread rapidly because of oxygen points at each incubator. At around 6:39 AM, a huge blast caused the ceilings to collapse.

Rescue officials stated that the blaze was caused by an explosion in an air-conditioning unit compressor inside the gynecology ward.

Internal Staff Response According to Official Reports

Two doctors and two nurses on duty were inside the nursery when the fire broke out. With security staff assistance, they immediately responded and made two attempts to enter the nursery. They rescued 1 baby from the nursery and 4 babies and 3 mothers from an adjacent room.

Separate workers evacuated 73 patients from the adjacent Gynae ward on the same floor within minutes.

They used all available fire safety equipment (including 35 fire extinguishers). The report stated that all emergency exits were fully open and operational.

Questions and Concerns Emerged at the Healthcare Facility

Eyewitnesses and journalists on the ground reported that conflicting timelines and locked doors created confusion.

Reports From Eyewitnesses

Eyewitnesses noted that the only visible signs of a rescue operation were broken windows, some of which were smashed by locals before rescue teams even arrived.

Furthermore, the initial fire brigade team completed their shift rotation by 2:00 PM, despite the fire having been extinguished long before.

Reports From Journalists

A replacement fire team member told reporters that firefighters arrived to find both northern and western gates locked. Using ladders, they broke two large holes into the building to perform initial rescues. Individuals on the scene explained that locking the maternity ward is standard practice to prevent newborn kidnappings.

Journalist Alina Shahid reported that eyewitnesses stated initial rescue operations were hindered and that the operation concluded before 11 AM. She added that bodies were quickly identified, moved to the mortuary, and handed over to families in a hurry.

Another journalist, Farah Rabbani, arrived just after 9 AM and received a video from Edhi rescue showing small coffins prepared in advance. Upon entering the ward, she described complete destruction and an overwhelming smell.

Official Response and Ongoing Investigation

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) stated that rescue teams reached the scene within 7 minutes after the emergency was reported at around 6:45 AM. Six fire engines and four ambulances deployed to the scene included FS-01 and FS-05 fire tenders, Capital Emergency Service (CES) ambulances, and ICT administration units.

The Mother Children Hospital ward at the western end was sealed quickly after the fire reported, with the northern main entrance cordoned off by yellow tape. Policemen, hospital guards and riot control gear monitored the sealed gates.

Cooling operations and site assessments concluded after extinguishing the fire.

While official accounts detail the emergency response the public continues examining facts behind the PIMS hospital incident.