In a devastating turn of events, a massive fire engulfed a wedding celebration in the northern Iraqi town of Al-Hamdaniyah, resulting in the heartbreaking loss of more than 100 lives and leaving more than 150 individuals injured. The tragedy has sent shockwaves throughout the region, with state media and health officials confirming the grim toll.
Health officials in Nineveh province have confirmed the heartbreaking toll, reporting that “100 individuals have tragically perished, with more than 150 others sustaining injuries in the fire that occurred at a wedding venue in Al-Hamdaniyah.” This tragic information received further validation from a representative of Iraq’s health ministry in a statement provided to AFP.
The tragic incident unfolded in the district of Al-Hamdaniya in Iraq’s northern Nineveh province, as reported by Iraq’s state news agency INA. A photograph shared by the Iraqi news agency Nina depicted courageous firefighters battling the ferocious blaze at the wedding hall, highlighting the valiant efforts to save lives.
In response to the catastrophic event, Iraq’s Prime Minister issued a directive, urging officials to mobilize all available resources and efforts to provide immediate relief and support to those affected. This call for action was conveyed through a post on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.
The initial death toll currently stands at more than 100, with an additional 150 individuals injured during the fire that consumed a wedding celebration in the district of Hamdaniya, within Iraq’s Nineveh province. Local sources anticipate that this sorrowful count may rise further as authorities continue their exhaustive efforts to account for all attendees.
Reports suggest that fireworks ignited during the celebration may have been the catalyst for the blaze, according to statements from local civil defense officials as reported by state media.
A harrowing video captured by a Reuters correspondent at the scene depicted firefighters courageously navigating the charred wreckage of the building in their determined pursuit of survivors.
Preliminary findings indicate that the building’s construction materials were highly flammable, significantly contributing to the rapid and tragic collapse of the venue, as reported by state media.
In response to this calamity, ambulances and medical teams were swiftly dispatched to the site, courtesy of both federal Iraqi authorities and authorities in Iraq’s semi-autonomous Kurdistan region, as confirmed in official statements. The incident has cast a pall over the entire region, underscoring the urgent need for safety measures and disaster preparedness.
