Door was locked at Pakistan hospital where fire killed 14 babies, witnesses say

A tragic fire at a hospital in Pakistan that resulted in the deaths of 14 infants has sparked a dispute over safety protocols and ward management. Witnesses at the scene have alleged that the ward door was locked at the time of the blaze, potentially hindering evacuation efforts and contributing to the high casualty count. The claims have raised serious questions regarding the facility's emergency preparedness and the safety measures in place for vulnerable patients.

In response to the allegations, hospital administration has formally denied that the ward was locked. According to the hospital's statement, the door was manned by security personnel specifically tasked with protecting the infants from unauthorized access. The administration maintains that the presence of guards was a security precaution rather than a restriction on movement, and they have pledged to cooperate with ongoing investigations into the cause of the fire.

Local authorities have launched an inquiry to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the incident. As families mourn the loss of their children, the focus remains on whether standard fire safety regulations were followed and if the hospital's security policies inadvertently impacted the ability of staff to respond to the emergency. Further updates are expected as investigators review security footage and interview additional staff members.