In a devastating incident, a fire at a wedding celebration in northern Iraq claimed the lives of at least 100 individuals, leaving another 150 injured. The tragedy unfolded in the Hamdaniya district of the northeast Nineveh governorate.
Origin of the Fire
The Iraqi Civil Defense pinpointed the cause of the fire to fireworks, candles, and other materials used during the wedding festivities. Videos circulating from the scene depict thick smoke emanating from the Al Haytham Wedding Hall, with ambulances and large crowds rushing to the site.
Safety Violations at the Venue
The wedding hall, which was engulfed in flames, was reportedly lined with highly flammable Ecobond panels. These materials not only violated safety regulations but also contributed to the rapid spread of the fire. The Iraqi Civil Defense stated, “The fire led to the collapse of parts of the hall as a result of the use of highly flammable, low-cost building materials that collapse within minutes when fire breaks out.”
Immediate Aftermath and Responses
Nineveh governor, Najm Al-Jubouri, communicated to the Iraqi state news agency INA that the injured were promptly moved to hospitals in both Nineveh and the Kurdistan region. He emphasized that the final count of casualties was yet to be determined.
A wedding attendee provided a glimmer of hope amidst the tragedy by confirming the safety of the bride and groom. Speaking to the private Iraqi channel Alawla TV, the guest shared, “The bride and groom are fine. I was just with them now, but their condition is devastating due to what happened to people here.”
In response to the catastrophe, Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa Al-Sudani has directed his cabinet to extend support to the victims. He has been in constant communication with the Nineveh governor and has called for comprehensive efforts to assist those affected.
The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq expressed its deep condolences, terming the incident as “an immense tragedy.” The mission further conveyed its shock and sorrow over the loss of life and injuries through a post on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.
The incident serves as a grim reminder of the importance of adhering to safety regulations and the profound consequences that can arise from negligence.
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