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Baghdad - A devastating fire engulfed a wedding celebration in Nineveh, northern Iraq, resulting in a grim toll of over 100 fatalities and leaving approximately 150 individuals injured.
The Iraqi Red Crescent Society however said more than 450 were killed and injured from the fire.
The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq expressed deep shock and conveyed their condolences to the grieving families. "Huge tragedy. Our sincere condolences to the families who lost loved ones. We wish those injured a speedy recovery" a statement issued by the commission said.
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Questions have arisen concerning the safety of the wedding hall, as reports indicate that its exterior was clad in highly flammable materials. This type of cladding had been banned in Iraq after its involvement in the tragic 2017 Grenfell Tower fire in London. The use of such hazardous materials has raised concerns about potential corruption and safety standard violations within the construction industry.
Iraq's health ministry spokesman, Saif Al-Badr, revealed that the victims primarily suffered from burns and asphyxiation. He added, "The majority of the wounded were completely burned. And some others had 50 to 60 percent of their bodies burned. This is not good at all."
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The chaotic scene during the fire also led to crowd crushes, further exacerbating the tragedy. Rescuers are tirelessly searching through the charred debris at the wedding venue in the northern province of Niniveh.
The local community has rallied in support of the survivors and victims' families. People have gathered at a nearby hospital to donate blood, showing their solidarity in the face of this devastating incident.
Iraq's Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani, has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the fire. This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the persistent disregard for safety standards in a nation scarred by years of conflict and marred by previous fire-related incidents, including a devastating hospital fire in 2021 and a hospital explosion in 2020.