Tragedy: fire at Iraq wedding claims nearly 100 lives

QARAQOSH, Iraq: A devastating fire engulfed a Christian wedding party in northern Iraq, leaving nearly 100 people dead and over 100 injured. Here’s what we know about this tragic incident.

Location of the Tragedy

The incident occurred at al-Haitham Hall, a spacious event venue situated on the outskirts of the northern town of Qaraqosh, also known as Bakhdida. This town was once Iraq’s largest Christian settlement, with a population of around 50,000, predominantly Assyrian Christians. It was retaken from the clutches of the Sunni Muslim jihadist group Islamic State (IS) in 2016. The town is still in the process of reconstruction, with about half of its residents having returned, the BBC said.

The Origin of the Fire

Although the exact cause is still under investigation, eyewitnesses reported that the fire broke out between 10:00 PM and 10:45 PM local time (19:00-19:45 GMT) when fireworks were set off during the wedding celebration.

One attendee described the horrifying scene, stating, “Around 1,000 to 1,100 guests were in attendance, and the wedding was proceeding smoothly. During the slow dance, one of the fireworks hit the roof, which was made of highly flammable materials like sandwich panels, vinyl sheets, and fabric. The flames spread rapidly, and burning debris fell on the guests, making escape impossible.”

After watching the beautiful bride and groom slow dance video I was curious to know if they survived,… they did.. but they lost everyone they loved. The bride lost all her family, including 3 brothers, the groom lost his mom! The fire resulted in 98 deaths!!! pic.twitter.com/nyrAGac0Bp

— sherry (@CherieDamour_) September 28, 2023

Seventeen-year-old Rania Waad, who sustained burns on her hand, recounted that “while the bride and groom were dancing, the fireworks started to ascend to the ceiling, and the entire hall was soon engulfed in flames.”

Video footage posted online depicted the horrifying incident, showing fireworks illuminating the hall as attendees sat at long tables nearby. Moments later, the fire engulfs a large ceiling decoration, and screams fill the air. Additional footage shows the bride, groom, and guests attempting to evade burning debris on the dance floor.

The Victims

Tragically, Nineveh’s health directorate confirmed that 98 people have lost their lives in this devastating fire. The bride and groom survived but suffered minor burns and the loss of close relatives. Jamil al-Jamil, a friend of the couple, revealed the extent of their grief: “The bride lost her entire family – three brothers, uncles, and young cousins. The groom lost his mother.”

The survivors’ accounts further paint a grim picture, with many losing entire families. One survivor shared, “I have a friend whose entire family perished—his children, mother, and wife. Many complete families have been wiped out. It’s a human catastrophe, an extermination.”

Response and Investigation

Authorities have declared three days of national mourning in remembrance of the victims. An investigative committee has been formed to determine the causes of the accident and any potential areas of negligence. Prime Minister al-Sudani has called for stringent punishments for those responsible for any lapses that contributed to this tragedy.

Ten venue staff members, the owner, and three individuals involved in the fireworks display have been arrested by security forces. The Prime Minister has also ordered heightened building inspections and safety procedure verification at shopping centers, restaurants, event halls, and hotels to prevent future tragedies.

This tragic event highlights the dire need for improved safety standards and enforcement in Iraq, where mismanagement and corruption have long plagued public safety measures.