Iraqi wedding blaze claims over 100 lives, injures 150 in fiery catastrophe

A devastating fire erupts during a wedding celebration in Iraq's Hamdaniya district, resulting in a catastrophic loss of life and scores of injuries.

Inferno Engulfs Wedding Hall

In the Hamdaniya district of Iraq's Nineveh province, a massive fire broke out during a wedding party, claiming the lives of more than 100 attendees and leaving approximately 150 people injured. The incident unfolded as the civil defence teams tirelessly searched for survivors amidst the smouldering remains of the building well into the early hours of the following day.

Causes and Aftermath

Preliminary reports suggest that the fire ignited after fireworks were set off during the celebration in a large events hall. The building's construction materials, known for their extreme flammability, are believed to have contributed to the rapid collapse of the structure. Eyewitnesses described the horrific scene as hundreds of people found themselves trapped in the inferno. The tragedy has raised questions about the use of highly flammable cladding on the hall's exterior, a material that was deemed illegal in the country. It remains unclear why such materials were allowed for use, highlighting concerns related to corruption and mismanagement in Iraq.

This devastating incident is another blow to Iraq's already vulnerable Christian minority, which has faced violent persecution over the past two decades, first by al-Qaeda and later by the Islamic State militant group.

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