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Video shows moment fire breaks out at Al Haytham Wedding Hall in Iraq, killing at least 114 people
The Iraq Interior Ministry reportedly issued four arrest warrants for the proprietors of the wedding venue, as confirmed by state media.
A devastating fire broke out during a wedding celebration in Hamdaniya district, Nineveh province, Iraq.
Tragically, the incident claimed the lives of over 100 individuals, leaving approximately 150 others injured.
The civil defence teams worked tirelessly, searching the burnt remains of the building for survivors well into the early hours of Wednesday.
Nineveh Deputy Governor Hassan al-Allaq reported 113 confirmed fatalities, while state media cited at least 100 casualties, with 150 individuals sustaining injuries.
According to state media, a devastating fire engulfed a spacious events hall in the northeastern area after fireworks were ignited during the festivities.
The Iraq Interior Ministry reportedly issued four arrest warrants for the proprietors of the wedding venue, as confirmed by state media.
President Abdul Latif Rashid has called for a thorough investigation into the incident.
Imad Yohana, a 34-year-old survivor, recounted, “We witnessed the fire intensifying, engulfing the hall. Those who managed to escape did so, while others unfortunately got trapped.”
Video footage depicted firefighters navigating the scorched remains of the structure, illuminating the smoldering ruins.
State media reported initial findings suggesting that the building was constructed with highly combustible materials, which likely accelerated its swift collapse.
Official statements indicated that federal Iraqi authorities and Iraq’s semi-autonomous Kurdistan region promptly dispatched ambulances and medical teams to the scene.
