A fire during a wedding celebration in largest Christian town of Iraq , Qaraqosh, has resulted in at least 100 deaths and 150 injuries. The incident occurred in a banqueting hall in Nineveh province, with the cause of the fire still undetermined, though some reports suggest fireworks may have ignited it. Flammable panels fueled the flames, causing parts of the ceiling to collapse.
Iraq’s civil defence directorate stated that “highly flammable, low-cost building materials” contributed to the rapid spread of the fire. It remains unclear whether the bride and groom were among the casualties.
Videos posted online show the couple dancing on the dance floor before flaming debris begins falling onto it. Firefighters actively search the wreckage for survivors.
Eyewitnesses reported that hundreds of people were inside the venue when the fire broke out around 22:45 local time. Some managed to escape, but others were trapped. Survivors described the terrifying ordeal, with one guest mentioning how fireworks ignited the ceiling, causing the hall to become engulfed in flames. Another survivor shared the anguish of losing family members in the tragedy.
Iraq’s president pledged to provide relief to the affected individuals of this accident at Iraq Qaraqosh , while the prime minister announced building inspections and safety procedure reviews, with authorities held accountable for any negligence.
The number of victims remains uncertain, with varying reports. The deputy governor of Nineveh confirmed 113 deaths, while the Red Crescent humanitarian group reported nearly 450 dead and injured. The regional governor suggested the numbers could rise.
People transported the injured individuals to hospitals across the Nineveh region, where donors poured in to provide blood for those in need. However, reports indicate logistical challenges in rescuing and treating the victims due to inadequate resources and infrastructure, attributed in part to the aftermath of ISIS occupation in Mosul.