A fire in the neonatal unit of a hospital in Pakistan's capital Islamabad killed 15 newborn babies early Tuesday, while one infant survived, authorities said.

The fire broke out in the neonatal ward on the third floor of the Mother and Child Health Department at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS).

According to Pakistani media reports, 16 newborns were in the unit when the blaze started at around 6:45 a.m. local time. Rescue teams managed to save only one infant, while the other 15 died.

Initial reports said the fire was caused by an explosion in an air-conditioning compressor inside the neonatal unit. Firefighters brought the blaze under control within a short time and carried out cooling operations at the hospital.

The Islamabad administration has formed an investigation committee to determine the cause of the fire and examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed grief over the tragedy and ordered an immediate investigation, directing authorities to identify those responsible and take legal action if negligence is found.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.(ILKHA)