A fire incident at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) nursing hostel weeks before Wednesday’s deadly nursery blaze has raised serious questions over fire safety arrangements and whether earlier recommendations were properly implemented.
According to an inquiry report, a fire broke out at around 3am on July 6 in the reception area of the PIMS Nursing Hostel. Three sofa sets were destroyed in the incident, while all 78 female students present at the hostel remained safe.
The inquiry committee reportedly recommended departmental action against the hostel warden and security staff. However, the exact cause of the fire could not be determined because electrical and forensic evidence was reportedly unavailable.
The report also pointed to several safety and security shortcomings, including the absence of two security guards from their assigned posts. It further highlighted the lack of emergency plans, fire alarms and CCTV cameras at the hostel.
Although some employees were suspended after the incident, questions have now emerged over whether the committee’s recommendations were fully implemented.
The development comes just a day after a devastating fire swept through the PIMS Mother and Child Health ward on Wednesday, killing at least 14 newborn babies. One infant was rescued from the affected nursery.
Authorities have said the fire may have started from an air-conditioning unit, while oxygen in the nursery reportedly contributed to the rapid spread of the flames.
The tragedy has triggered an investigation into the cause of the fire, emergency response and fire-safety measures at the hospital.
The earlier hostel incident is now drawing renewed attention, with concerns growing over whether warning signs and previously identified safety deficiencies were adequately addressed before Wednesday’s tragedy.