A hospital preliminary report into the fire that killed fourteen newborn babies at Islamabad's PIMS hospital now says an exploding nebuliser — not an air-conditioning unit as first claimed — sparked the blaze, which spread rapidly because of the high concentration of oxygen in the nursery.
Investigators appointed by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited the scene on Thursday, while a separate fire brigade report found that emergency exits were locked from outside and obstructed by barriers.
The prime minister has already sacked the Health Ministry's most senior civil servant, and the inquiry committee is expected to deliver an interim report within forty-eight hours.
Hira Mustafa reports from Islamabad.
IN: “So far, investigators...”
OUT: “...the child ward.”
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http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0827-1305mustafa-pakistanhospitalfire1.mp3