'Black smoke' chokes Pakistan maternity ward as hospital fire kills 14 infants

At least 14 newborn babies have died in a fire that broke out in the maternity ward of a major state hospital in Islamabad, Pakistan. The tragedy occurred in the early hours of Wednesday on the third floor of the facility, where authorities reported that 15 infants were present when the blaze started.

The incident highlights broader safety concerns in the country, as fires in large buildings remain a frequent occurrence. These recurring disasters are often attributed to weak safety laws, inadequate building codes, and lax enforcement by local authorities.