By Gabriel Lago
27 Sep 2023, 17:37 PM EDT
A joyous wedding celebration in Qaraqosh, Iraq, turned into tragedy when a fire engulfed the banquet hall, claiming the lives of at least 94 people and leaving around 100 injured.
Witnesses and civil defense officials revealed that the fire, which occurred on Tuesday night, was caused by fireworks launched during a dance show by the bride and groom.
The highly flammable nature of the metal and plastic composite panels used to cover the room exacerbated the fire, turning a festive occasion into a nightmare, according to the BBC.
Security forces detained ten members of the venue’s staff, including the owner, as well as three people responsible for the fireworks show. These arrests are part of ongoing investigations into the incident.
In a somber procession, hundreds of mourners gathered to pay their respects at the funeral of more than 40 victims, held at a cemetery in Qaraqosh. Many attendees carried portraits of loved ones who had tragically passed away.
Chaldean Catholic Patriarch Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako described the fire as a “complete and total catastrophe,” underscoring the profound impact of the disaster on the community, according to the Iraqi Kurdish news agency Rudaw.
Survivors recounted harrowing moments as they struggled to escape the fire. Rania Waad, a guest at the wedding, described how the fireworks rose to the ceiling, engulfing the entire hall in flames as the bride and groom danced, according to the BBC.
The choking smoke left many disoriented and struggling to find a way out. Imad Yohana, another survivor, shared the heartbreaking sight of pulsing flames and lives lost.
There remains some discrepancy in the reported number of victims. While Interior Minister Abdul Amir al-Shammari claimed that 94 people had died, Nineveh Deputy Governor Hassan al-Allaq had previously mentioned that 113 people had been confirmed dead. The injured have been transported to hospitals in Nineveh, including Mosul and the Kurdistan Region.
A preliminary investigation has indicated that the fire was caused by fireworks, which caused severe burns and eventually the roof collapsed. In addition, it was observed that the room lacked the necessary safety specifications. Those responsible are expected to face legal consequences for the tragedy.
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