A wedding party was wrecked by a fire that killed over a hundred people and injured another 150.
This melancholy tragedy occurred during what should have been a joyous occasion in Iraq’s largest Christian town, Nineveh province.
The specific cause of the incident is uncertain, while rumours claim that fireworks may have sparked the blaze. Due to flammable panels, the fire quickly enveloped the arena, causing pieces of the ceiling to fall.
The use of highly combustible, low-cost building materials, which crumbled within minutes of the fire’s onset, was criticised by Iraq’s civil defence office. The bride and groom’s fate is still unknown.
Disturbing video shows the couple dancing just before fire debris rains down on the dance floor. Brave firefighters worked tirelessly to explore the wreckage for survival.
Witnesses described the terror of the night, when hundreds of guests were trapped when the fire broke out about 22:45 local time. A survivor, Imad Yohana, described the chaotic scene, characterising the fire as “pulsating” and emphasising the catastrophic impact on those who tried to flee.
Rania Waad, who received burns to her hand, recounted her harrowing experience, describing how pyrotechnics triggered off the blaze while the bride and groom slow danced. The entire auditorium quickly turned into an inferno, leaving guests dizzy and panting for air.
One survivor’s terrible tale showed the agony of looking for missing family members in the midst of the mayhem, with loved ones lost in the tragic tragedy.
In response to the disaster, Iraq’s president expressed condolences on social media and asked for coordinated efforts to assist those affected. The prime minister promised to visit buildings and scrutinise safety measures, holding those responsible accountable.
The number of casualties is yet unknown, according to conflicting accounts. The deputy governor of Nineveh reported 113 deaths, while the Red Crescent humanitarian organisation estimated around 450 overall casualties.
Regional authorities expect the toll to grow.
Injured survivors were brought to hospitals around the Nineveh region, and many people donated blood to help their fellow residents. Mosul, which is still dealing with the fallout from ISIS’s occupation, faces logistical hurdles in reacting to the situation.
Qaraqosh, Iraq’s largest Christian town, suffered a traumatic history when it succumbed to ISIS in 2014, resulting in widespread migration and persecution. Despite being liberated, the town is still being rebuilt, with many homes yet to be rebuilt.
