By A tragic incident occurred during a wedding celebration in Iraq’s northern Nineveh province. A devastating fire broke out, resulting in the loss of at least 113 lives, with more than 150 people sustaining injuries. The fire started at around 10:45 pm local time on Tuesday night.
The unfortunate incident appears to have been ignited by fireworks used during the bride and groom’s dance. The venue, like many structures in Iraq, was built using flammable materials, and it eventually collapsed due to the intense heat of the fire.
Initial information suggests that the building was constructed with highly flammable materials, which contributed to its rapid destruction. Ambulances and medical teams were swiftly dispatched to the site by federal Iraqi authorities and the Kurdistan region.
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has initiated an investigation into the causes of the fire. This incident follows previous fires in hospitals that resulted in fatalities, prompting a similar inquiry by his predecessor, Mustafa al-Kadhimi.
The use of flammable construction materials and the absence of proper safety measures, including emergency exits, are suspected factors in the severity of the blaze. Iraq’s civil defence also noted the presence of highly flammable prefabricated panels that did not meet safety standards at the event hall.
The majority of the injured suffered from burns and smoke inhalation, and there were reports of crowd crushes at the scene. The fire caused parts of the ceiling to collapse due to the use of cheap, flammable construction materials, as stated by civil defence authorities.
Video clips circulating on social media showed the terrifying moments just before the fire erupted, with burning panels falling from the hall’s ceiling, and wedding guests scrambling to find safety.
The Iraqi Ministry of Health has dispatched medical aid trucks from various provinces to assist in the response efforts in Nineveh.
