A devastating fire broke out during a wedding celebration in the northern Iraqi town of Qaraqosh, resulting in at least 100 deaths and over 150 injuries.
The incident occurred in an event hall and was confirmed by health ministry spokesman Saif al-Badr. Most of the injured are being treated for burns or oxygen deprivation, and crowd crushes also contributed to the casualties.
Civil defense authorities pointed out that the event hall contained prefabricated panels that were "highly flammable and contravened safety standards."
The situation was exacerbated by the release of toxic gases from the burning panels. Preliminary information suggests that fireworks used during the celebration were the likely cause of the fire.
A history of safety concerns
This tragedy highlights the often-overlooked safety standards in Iraq's construction sector. The country has a history of fatal fires and accidents, exacerbated by years of conflict and disrepair in its infrastructure. Just last year, fires in hospitals treating Covid-19 patients resulted in significant loss of life.
