At least 15 newborns die in Pakistan hospital fire

At least 15 newborn babies died in a fire at a maternity ward in Pakistan's capital Islamabad, local rescue officials told dpa on Wednesday.

The fire was likely caused by a malfunctioning air conditioning unit in the early hours of the morning, the officials said.

Only one of the newborns in the ward was rescued, they said. The fire was now under control.

The maternity ward is part of the gynaecology department at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), a state-run hospital. At least 16 newborns were in the nursery when the fire broke out.

Television footage from Geo News showed heavy smoke and firefighters working at the scene. The broadcaster said an investigation would be launched into the further causes of the fire.

Public hospitals in Pakistan are unpopular because of lower standards, with those who can afford it opting for private clinics for better care. Lax safety standards have repeatedly led to tragedies in Pakistan.