A joyous occasion turned into a heartbreaking tragedy when a fire erupted during a wedding ceremony in the northern Iraqi town of Hamdaniyah. State media and health officials report that the blaze claimed the lives of at least 100 people and left over 150 injured.
Health authorities in Nineveh province, where Hamdaniyah is located, have released a preliminary tally confirming the devastating toll of the fire. The official Iraqi press agency INA reported that “100 dead and more than 150 injured” have been accounted for in the aftermath of the fire.
The event unfolded in a predominantly Christian town east of Mosul, and the main hospital in Hamdaniyah quickly became a hub of activity. Ambulances rushed to the scene with sirens blaring, and a crowd of concerned individuals gathered in the hospital’s courtyard to donate blood. Additionally, a refrigerated truck carrying black body bags was seen with people waiting nearby.
In a statement, civil defense authorities shed light on the possible causes of the tragedy. They revealed that the event hall where the fire broke out contained prefabricated panels that were “highly flammable and contravened safety standards.” These panels, combined with the use of “highly flammable, low-cost construction materials,” contributed to the rapid spread of the fire.
“Preliminary information indicates that fireworks were used during a wedding, which triggered a fire in the hall,” the statement added.
Iraq has a history of disregarding safety standards, particularly in its construction and transport sectors. The country’s infrastructure has suffered significantly due to decades of conflict, and as a result, it often witnesses fatal fires and accidents. This devastating incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for improved safety measures and enforcement in Iraq.
As the nation mourns the loss of lives in this tragic incident, investigations into the exact cause of the fire and potential negligence are expected to unfold in the coming days.
Sources By Agencies
