Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago

---

A fire erupted in a hospital maternity ward in Islamabad killing 14 infants, Pakistan authorities said, blaming a faulty air conditioner for the blaze.

Witnesses described chaotic and harrowing scenes, including intense smoke and broken glass, a slow response from emergency services and guards reportedly preventing them from leaving the building.

19 other people, including seven children, were rescued alive.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called for an investigation and said that the "strictest possible action" should be taken against those found to be responsible.