Iraq fire: At least 100 killed in blaze at wedding party in Qaraqosh

In a devastating incident, a fire broke out during a wedding celebration in Qaraqosh, Iraq’s largest Christian town, resulting in the loss of at least 100 lives and leaving 150 others injured. The incident occurred in a banqueting hall where hundreds of people were gathered to partake in the joyous occasion.

The cause of the fire remains unknown, although some reports suggest that fireworks may have triggered the blaze. The flames quickly spread due to the presence of flammable panels, causing parts of the ceiling to catch fire and collapse, according to fire officials. The highly flammable and inexpensive building materials used in the construction of the hall exacerbated the situation, leading to its rapid destruction.

Iraq’s civil defense directorate, quoted by the state news agency INA, stated, “The fire led to the collapse of parts of the hall as a result of the use of highly flammable, low-cost building materials that collapse within minutes when fire breaks out.”

It is currently unclear whether the bride and groom were among the victims. Disturbing footage posted online depicted the couple dancing on the dance floor before flaming debris began falling from the ceiling.

Rescue efforts were immediately initiated, with firefighters tirelessly searching through the wreckage of the building in hopes of finding survivors. Eyewitnesses recounted the horror of the incident, with hundreds of people trapped inside the venue as the fire rapidly spread.

Imad Yohana, a 34-year-old who managed to escape the inferno, described the scene, saying, “We saw the fire pulsating, coming out of the hall. Those who managed got out and those who didn’t got stuck. Even those who made their way out were broken.”

Rania Waad, a 17-year-old guest who sustained a burn to her hand, recalled the moment when fireworks climbed to the ceiling, engulfing the entire hall in flames. She said, “We couldn’t see anything. We were suffocating, we didn’t know how to get out.”

The tragic incident has prompted a response from Iraq’s president, who took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to express his condolences and instruct officials to mobilize relief efforts for those affected. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has also pledged to conduct building inspections and scrutinize safety procedures, holding the relevant authorities accountable for any negligence. He declared three days of national mourning in honor of the victims.

The exact number of casualties remains uncertain. While the deputy governor of Nineveh, Hassan al-Allaq, confirmed 113 deaths, the Red Crescent humanitarian group reported that the total number of dead and injured stands at nearly 450. The regional governor warned that the figures could rise as the situation unfolds.

The injured have been transported to hospitals across the Nineveh region, with many individuals arriving to donate blood to aid the victims. However, reports indicate that there is a shortage of logistical tools, ambulances, staff, and medical equipment in the area, exacerbating the challenges faced by emergency responders.

Qaraqosh, also known as al-Hamdaniya and Bakhdida, was once the largest Christian town in Iraq until it fell under the control of the Islamic State (IS) in 2014. Following the liberation of Mosul from IS rule in 2017, many residents have returned, but the town still grapples with the aftermath of the destruction caused by the extremist group.

Tragic incidents like this highlight the urgent need for improved safety measures and accountability in Iraq. Corruption and mismanagement continue to plague the country, leading to avoidable disasters. In 2021, a lack of safety measures contributed to the deaths of nearly 100 people in a fire at a hospital in Nasiriya.

As the nation mourns the loss of lives in this heartbreaking event, efforts must be made to prevent such tragedies in the future and ensure the safety and well-being of all Iraqis.