Hospital Fire Kills 14 Newborns in Islamabad

At least 14 infants were killed early Wednesday when a fire tore through the newborn nursery at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, the largest hospital in Pakistan's capital, local broadcaster GeoTV reported.

The blaze started in the gynecology ward of the government-run hospital in Islamabad. Rescue sources said an air conditioner compressor exploded inside the nursery.

Hospital officials told GeoTV the nursery held 16 newborns at the time and that only one was rescued.

The Toll

Accounts of the death toll differ as the situation develops. Reuters and The Independent, citing local television, put the number at at least 14 infants.

Police told CNN that at least 13 children, mostly newborns, had died. The Jerusalem Post reported local TV putting the figure at 15.

Police sources told CNN that some babies were left in critical condition and that the toll could rise. The Independent reported that several children were injured, and that hospital authorities had not commented on casualties.