Title: Deadly Fire Engulfs Wedding Celebration in Iraq, Killing 113 and Injuring Over 150
Subtitle: Initial reports suggest fireworks used during the ceremony may have caused the blaze
Date: September 27, 2023
Location: Nineveh province, Iraq
In a tragic incident, a fire broke out during a wedding celebration in Iraq’s northern Nineveh province, leaving 113 people dead and over 150 injured. The devastating blaze, which occurred on Tuesday night, is believed to have been triggered by fireworks used during the ceremony.
According to Nineveh Deputy Governor Hassan al-Allaq, the death toll of 113 has been confirmed so far. However, authorities fear the number may rise as there are no final casualty figures yet. Iraq’s Health Ministry spokesman, Saif al-Badr, expressed that all efforts are being made to provide relief to those affected by this unfortunate accident.
Reportedly, the fire engulfed an event hall in the Hamdaniyah district of Nineveh province, located outside the city of Mosul. The incident took place at around 10:45 pm local time on Tuesday. The province’s governor, Najim al-Jubouri, cautioned that the casualty figures are yet to be finalized, indicating the possibility of more deaths.
Initial findings from Iraq’s civil defense suggest that the fireworks used during the celebratory event may have caused the fire. Firefighters and emergency responders were promptly dispatched to the scene, while medical aid trucks were sent from Baghdad and other provinces.
Firefighters battled the intense flames and were seen rescuing survivors amid the chaos. Images from the aftermath revealed the extent of the damage, with a collapsed roof, twisted metal, and rubble strewn across the event hall. The presence of highly flammable materials used in the construction, along with inadequate safety measures and emergency exits, further exacerbated the tragedy.
Fire at wedding ceremonies in Iraq commonly incorporate fireworks as part of their traditions. It was estimated that approximately 1,000 people were present when the fire erupted, as reported by Al Jazeera journalist Mahmoud Abdelwahed. He also highlighted the use of flammable materials and prefabricated panels that violated safety standards as potential contributing factors.
In response to the incident, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has ordered an investigation into the fire. He has instructed the Interior and Health officials to provide immediate relief to the victims and their families.
The devastating fire has once again highlighted the need for improved safety measures and regulations at public venues in Iraq. As the investigation proceeds, it is hoped that lessons will be learned to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
Disclaimer: This article is based on the initial reports of the incident and is subject to updates and further investigations.
[Image credits: Khalid Al-Mousily/Reuters]