ISLAMABAD: Pakistan government offered Rs 5 million financial compensation for the family of each victim infant in the PIMS fire tragedy. About 14 infants died in PIMS fire tragedy on Wednesday morning.
In a statement, the government expressed solidarity with the bereaved families and pledged every possible support during their difficult time.
Officials acknowledged that no compensation could replace a human life. However, they said the payment would help ease the families’ financial hardships.
Fourteen infants died after a fire erupted in the NICU at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences on Wednesday morning.
The nursery housed 15 newborns when the fire broke out at around 6:45am. Rescue teams managed to save only one infant.
Inquiry committee investigates fire
Rescue officials initially said an air-conditioner compressor exploded inside the nursery. However, PIMS administration offered a different account in its preliminary report.
The report claimed a nebuliser measuring oxygen levels exploded alongside an incubator. Meanwhile, footage showed flames emerging from an air conditioner.
According to the report, oxygen caught fire and smoke travelled through pipes into the infants’ breathing systems.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif subsequently formed a four-member committee to investigate the tragedy. The government gave the panel 48 hours to submit an interim report.
Officials review CCTV footage
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said the interim report would be available on Thursday. He said the committee was conducting an independent investigation.
He added that investigators were reviewing CCTV footage to determine whether staff had enough time to save infants dependent on oxygen.
Meanwhile, sources said the committee received written statements from senior PIMS officials and nursery staff.
The panel also obtained CCTV footage, the August 26 duty roster, and reports from the fire brigade and emergency department.
The government officials are investigating the tragic incident and collecting evidence and statements of the PIMS staff and victim families.
