A fire broke out early Wednesday in the maternity ward of the Mother and Child Health Ward at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad, resulting in the deaths of 14 newborn infants, authorities said. The blaze occurred on the third floor of the hospital, which is one of the capital’s main public health facilities.

Pakistani officials attributed the cause of the fire to a malfunctioning air conditioning unit. The Islamabad district office reported that the fire erupted before dawn, quickly filling the area with thick smoke. Witnesses at the scene described chaotic conditions, including the presence of broken glass and a slow response from emergency services.

Additional reports indicated that security personnel at the hospital allegedly prevented some individuals from exiting the building during the incident, raising concerns about the handling of the emergency. Efforts to evacuate patients and staff were complicated by the intensity of the fire and smoke.

Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire and the reasons behind the emergency response delays. The tragedy has prompted calls for stricter safety measures and improved fire prevention protocols within healthcare facilities across Pakistan.