BAGHDAD: A fire that swept through a crowded wedding hall in a northern Iraqi town killing greater than 100 folks was blamed on “gross negligence” and lack of security measures, the outcomes of a authorities investigation into the catastrophe mentioned.
The investigation outcomes, introduced at a information convention on Sunday (Oct 1) by Inside Minister Abdul Amir al-Shammari, mentioned the proprietor of the corridor and three different employees members had allowed 900 folks into the venue when it was designed for a most of 400.
“The hearth was unintentional and unintentional and occurred because of gross negligence,” the investigation findings mentioned.
“Utilizing flammable ornament helped the hearth to unfold shortly and reworked the corridor to a fireball,” Shammari mentioned.
The blaze trapped folks inside the marriage corridor and rescue groups struggled to achieve them as a result of exit doorways had been few and small, Shammari mentioned.
No less than 150 folks had been injured within the hearth, which was within the Christian city of Hamdaniya – also referred to as Qaraqosh.
The inside minister put the demise toll at 107 and mentioned the investigation panel had proposed that the federal government ought to present monetary help to households of the lifeless and injured.
The investigation additionally made suggestions that authorized motion must be taken in opposition to native officers.
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani visited victims of the blaze at two native hospitals on Thursday and pledged to carry these accountable to account.