Pakistan PM calls for criminal proceedings after 14 infants die in hospital fire

Pakistan’s prime minister said eight officials were suspended and called for criminal proceedings against them, after 14 infants were killed in a fire in a maternity ward in a hospital in the country’s capital.

A preliminary report conducted by a four-person committee formed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif found the deadly blaze had engulfed the unit “within approximately two minutes” just after 6.30am on Wednesday, with a nurse only able to save one of the 15 infants in hospital care.

Among those suspended were hospital staff, including its executive director and the head of the neonatal department, as well as the director general of Islamabad’s emergency services.

Sharif said late on Saturday “those responsible for criminal negligence do not deserve any concession” and that they will be “brought to justice.”

He also approved taking action against the company responsible for the hospital’s security, without naming them.

Emergency services were called within six minutes of the fire breaking out, with the first rescue services arriving at the scene 15 minutes later, the report said.

Parents and other witnesses said the response had been slow and guards had reportedly prevented people from leaving the building.