ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) administration has prepared an initial report into the fatal fire at its gynaecology ward, which resulted in the deaths of 14 newborns.

According to the initial report, the incident occurred in the NICU, where the nebuliser indicating the quantity of oxygen alongside an incubator exploded.

The oxygen subsequently caught fire, producing smoke that travelled through pipes and entered the infants’ breathing systems.

The report said the children died after the oxygen supply was cut off and due to burns sustained in the fire. It added that the fire was initially small but spread rapidly.

The report also stated that video footage showed a flame emerging from an air conditioner.

According to Pims officials, 15 newborns were present in the nursery when the incident occurred, of whom only one was rescued, while 14 others lost their lives.

Rescue teams reached the site after receiving information, while six fire brigade vehicles and four ambulances participated in the rescue operation, according to the district administration.

However, eyewitnesses told Geo News that the fire brigade and rescue teams arrived a little over half an hour after the incident. They said hospital staff scrambled after the fire broke out and instructed people to evacuate the area.

Following the incident, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered the immediate suspension of Federal Health Secretary Aslam Ghori from his post.

PM Shehbaz constituted an inquiry committee to investigate the fire, with former secretary of interior Shahid Khan appointed its chairman, according to a statement issued by the PM Office.