On Wednesday, September 27, a devastating fire engulfed a wedding venue just outside the predominantly Christian town of Hamdaniya, in northern Iraq’s city of Mosul.
The aftermath saw a staggering count of at least 100 deceased and approximately 150 wounded. Officials have indicated that these figures may yet increase.
According to reports from emergency responders and those present, the fire’s inception was due to fireworks set off in the venue. The ignited sparks made contact with the ceiling, leading to a blaze. The structure’s materials, along with decorative additions on the walls and ceiling, proved to be alarmingly inflammable. The fire’s rapid advancement caught attendees unprepared.
Social media platforms became repositories of footage from the event, displaying the fire’s swift progression and the ensuing chaos among those present. This chaos engulfed everyone, including the newlyweds who were seen making a desperate exit. Many of the 700 guests realized too late that the main exit had been obstructed by the fire.
Matters deteriorated with a power failure. A guest relayed the chaotic scene of dense smoke, people gasping for breath, several collapsing, and others in a mad rush towards the exit. A portion of the ceiling also gave way, causing more damage.
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has since called for an exhaustive inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. In addition, directives were issued to the country’s health and interior departments to offer emergency support.
Officials from Nineveh’s provincial government have mentioned that the inquiry would delve into both the fire’s cause and the venue’s adherence to safety regulations. Current reports suggest that the venue’s owner, now facing potential charges for running a hazardous establishment, has evaded public visibility.
This catastrophe mirrors earlier incidents that Iraq has experienced, linked to compromised construction quality and lax safety measures. Notably, significant fires in hospital units in both Baghdad and Nasiriyah, designated for COVID-19 patients, resulted in multiple losses.