BAGHDAD: In a heart-wrenching incident, a devastating fire engulfed a crowded wedding hall in a northern Iraqi town, resulting in the tragic loss of more than 100 lives.
The horrific incident has been attributed to what authorities describe as “gross negligence” and a severe lack of safety measures, as revealed by the findings of a government investigation.
Interior Minister Abdul Amir Al-Shammari delivered the investigation results during a solemn news conference on Sunday. The inquiry disclosed that the owner of the hall, along with three other staff members, allowed an astonishing 900 people to enter the venue, which had a maximum capacity of just 400.
The investigation findings emphasized that the fire was accidental and unintentional, primarily stemming from what they termed “gross negligence.” Furthermore, the use of highly flammable decorations within the hall played a significant role in the rapid spread of the fire, transforming the celebratory event into a horrifying fireball, according to Shammari.
The intensity of the blaze left attendees trapped inside the wedding hall, with rescue teams struggling to reach them due to the limited and small exit doors, as explained by Shammari.
Tragically, the fire resulted in at least 150 individuals sustaining injuries. This devastating incident occurred in the Christian town of Hamdaniya, also known as Qaraqosh.
Interior Minister Shammari reported a death toll of 107 individuals, underscoring that the investigation panel has proposed the government should extend financial support to the grieving families of the deceased and the injured survivors.
Furthermore, the investigation panel has recommended that legal action be taken against local officials deemed responsible for the grave lapse in safety measures.
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, deeply moved by the tragedy, visited the victims of the inferno at two local hospitals on Thursday and made a solemn pledge to hold those accountable for this devastating incident.
