A FIRE at a nursery for newborns at a major government hospital in Pakistan’s capital killed 14 babies, according to hospital officials and the government.

The Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in Islamabad housed at least 15 newborns in the nursery when the fire broke out early on Wednesday, hospital officials said.

At least one baby was rescued, officials said, while Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal confirmed at least 14 babies had died.

Rescue officials said the fire began about 6.45 am local time after an air-conditioning unit compressor exploded inside the nursery in the gynaecology ward.

Within hours, the Islamabad district magistrate appointed a multi-agency fact-finding committee with directions to submit a report within 24 hours. 

The panel will investigate the cause of the fire and its spread, determine whether adequate fire-safety measures were in place and evaluate the emergency response, a government notification said.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the fire is “a tragedy involving children is an irreparable loss,” as he ordered an immediate investigation.

President Asif Ali Zardari called for those responsible to be identified and dealt with under the law and urged hospitals to ensure effective fire-safety measures and emergency procedures, particularly in wards caring for newborns.