Hamdaniya: A terrible tragedy unfolded in the town of Hamdaniya, located in Iraq when a devastating fire broke out during a wedding ceremony. Sadly, more than 100 people lost their lives. Over 150 others were injured. Hamdaniya is situated in the Nineveh province of Iraq, outside Mosul city, 335 kilometers (205 miles) northwest of Baghdad.
The exact cause of the fire remains uncertain; however, preliminary reports from Rudaw, a television news channel, suggest that the use of fireworks during the event may have sparked the blaze.
On another note, Iraqi News Agency cited a civil defense official who disclosed that the wedding hall exterior was adorned with cladding materials that were illegal in the country. When exposed to fire, these materials quickly. This led to sections of the hall collapsing structurally.
In response to this incident, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al Sudani has promptly ordered an investigation into the fire. He has also instructed officials from the Interior and Health departments to mobilize relief efforts and assist those affected by this event and their families.
Heart-wrenching television footage depicted scenes of devastation with charred metal remnants and debris scattered throughout the area. Survivors, visibly shaken by this ordeal, were swiftly transported to hospitals for medical attention.
In the hospitals, I observed patients receiving oxygen and being taken care of by staff. Meanwhile, worried family members anxiously waited for updates on their loved ones well-being.