Fire rips through Pakistan hospital killing 14 newborn babies as 'air-con unit explodes'

Fire rips through Pakistan hospital killing 14 newborn babies as 'air-con unit explodes' An air conditioner compressor reportedly exploded inside a nursery in Pakistan on Wednesday morning killing at least 14 newborn babies, according to hospital officials A fire has ripped through a hospital killing 14 newborn babies after an air conditionign unit exploded, hospital officials have confirmed. The horror incident happened in the early hours of Wednesday August 26 at a major government hospital in Pakistan’s capital. The fire broke out on the third floor of the mother and child unit of PIMS hospital, one of the main state-run hospitals in the city. The nursery at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences housed at least 15 newborns when the fire broke out, hospital officials said. At least one baby was rescued. Rescue officials said the fire began at about 6:45 a.m., after the compressor of an air-conditioning unit reportedly exploded inside the nursery, which is part of the hospital’s gynecology ward. Firefighters quickly responded and extinguished the blaze, and rescue teams were carrying out cooling operations at the site, local media reported. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has released a statement expressing "deep sorrow and heartfelt regret" over the hospital fire. Sharif has instructed authorities to "conduct an immediate investigation", according to the statement from his office. "Such a situation with children is irreparable", the statement continues. Sharif expresses his "heartfelt condolences to the families of the innocent children", adding "his heart is saddened by this tragic incident". Authorities say the blaze has now been extinguished. The Mirror has contacted Shehbaz Sharif's press office and the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences for comment. This is a Breaking News story. You’ll be more likely to see our stories when any big news breaks in future by simply by clicking this link . You can also join The Mirror’s WhatsApp Community or follow us on Google News , Flipboard , Apple News , TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads - or visit The Mirror homepage .