BAGHDAD: Iraq’s Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, visited the injured people and the families of victims of a fire that killed over a hundred people in the northern province Nineveh.
The premier was accompanied by a delegation of ministers and security officials, arrived in Nineveh province early Thursday, as reported by state television. He offered his condolences to the wounded and the families of the deceased at Hamdaniyah Hospital and Al-Jumhoori Hospital. Later, he extended his sympathies to the victims at the Syriac Catholic Mar Behnam Monastery.
According to health officials, two severely burned victims, a 30-year-old woman and a 4-year-old child, tragically lost their lives due to their injuries.
The tragic incident occurred at the Haitham Royal Wedding Hall in the predominantly Christian area of Hamdaniya near Mosul. A fire erupted when the ceiling panels above a pyrotechnic machine ignited, causing panic among the approximately 250 guests in attendance.
Authorities have reported a death toll of around 100 people, with expectations of it rising as more than 100 others remain injured, many of whom are in critical condition. The venue’s owners are facing accusations of safety protocol violations.
In response, the Mosul Municipality has called for the closure of establishments such as hotels, restaurants, and other venues that lack safety approvals or have disregarded previous warnings.
Funeral processions continued at the Saint Behnam Syriac Catholic Church, where a video circulating on Iraqi media and social platforms depicted the bride and groom among the mourners.
The Interior Ministry attributed the disaster to highly flammable building materials and accused the owners of breaching safety and security regulations. This tragedy is the latest blow to Iraq’s dwindling Christian minority, which has significantly decreased in size over the past decade.
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani visiting the Syriac Catholic Church of Saint Behnam in Hamdaniya district to pay respects for the victims of the tragic wedding fire that killed over 100.
🎥: Julian Bechocha/Rudaw pic.twitter.com/9YFMknTtw0
— Rudaw English (@RudawEnglish) September 28, 2023
13 Workers Probed for Iraq Wedding Fire
A security official, requesting anonymity due to lack of authorization to speak to the press, disclosed that one of the venue’s owners, along with 13 workers and employees, are currently under investigation. Negligence is being cited as the cause of the incident, and the government is preparing to provide compensation to survivors and the families of the victims.
A government spokesperson announced plans for stringent inspections of hotels, schools, restaurants, and event venues to ensure they comply with safety standards. One of the venue’s owners, Chonny Suleiman Naboo, denied negligence and attributed the fire to an electrical fault in an interview with the western media.
