Last Tuesday, a devastating fire swept through a Christian wedding celebration in northern Iraq, resulting in the deaths of at least 107 people.
The fire ripped through al-Haitham Hall, a large event venue located on the outskirts of the northern town of Qaraqosh, about 15km southeast of Mosul. Qaraqosh was the biggest Christian town in Iraq before being overrun by Islamic State in 2014.
According to witnesses, the incident started between 10:00 PM and 10:45 PM local time while fireworks were being set off inside the venue as the couple danced. A man mentioned to Rudaw news agency that the fire unexpectedly started on the ceiling and rapidly spread throughout the area as it was constructed with sandwich panels, vinyl sheets, and fabric.
The government announced that 107 people were killed. Both the bride and groom survived but suffered minor burns and lost close relatives. Many families were devastated, with some losing multiple members. Over 80 people were injured, and many were severely burned.
Interior Minister Abdul Amir al-Shammari said the fire was “100% an act of God” caused by the fireworks igniting flammable decorations on the ceiling. Officials noted the venue was over capacity and lacked emergency exits. Fourteen people have been arrested including the hall owner and fireworks operators.
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has demanded the harshest punishments for those responsible for negligence and ordered increased safety inspections. However, lax safety standards are common in Iraq due to decades of mismanagement and corruption.
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