A devastating fire that engulfed a crowded wedding hall in the northern Iraqi town of Hamdaniya, also known as Qaraqosh, resulting in the deaths of over 100 people, has been attributed to “gross negligence” and a lack of safety measures, according to the findings of a government investigation.
Interior Minister Abdul Amir al-Shammari announced the results of the investigation during a news conference on Sunday. The report revealed that the owner of the wedding hall, along with three other staff members, allowed a staggering 900 people to enter the venue, despite its design capacity being only 400.
The investigation findings concluded that the fire was accidental and unintentional, but it occurred due to the gross negligence exhibited by the individuals responsible for the hall. The use of flammable decorations within the venue contributed to the rapid spread of the fire, transforming the hall into a blazing inferno.
During the incident, the lack of adequate safety measures became apparent as the fire trapped numerous people inside the wedding hall. Rescue teams faced significant challenges in reaching the victims due to the limited number of exit doors, which were also small in size, according to Minister Shammari.
The fire resulted in the deaths of at least 107 individuals, with a further 150 sustaining injuries. The tragedy has deeply affected the Christian town of Hamdaniya, and the investigation panel recommended that the government provide financial support to the families of the deceased and injured.
Additionally, the investigation called for legal action to be taken against local officials who failed to enforce proper safety standards and allowed the hall to operate beyond its capacity. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani visited victims of the fire at two local hospitals and expressed his commitment to hold those responsible accountable for the disaster.
The wedding hall fire in Hamdaniya has underscored the critical need for stringent safety measures and the enforcement of regulations to prevent such tragic incidents. As authorities move forward with legal action and provide support to the affected families, there is a renewed emphasis on ensuring that public spaces prioritize the safety and well-being of their patrons.
