Chlorine Leak Hospitalises Over 600 Pilgrims Who Suffered from Respiratory Illness
- Over 600 Shiite pilgrims in Iraq were hospitalised after inhaling chlorine gas from a leak near Karbala
- The incident occurred along a major pilgrimage route as millions travel to mark Arbaeen
- Authorities say all affected individuals received treatment and were discharged in good health
More than 600 Shiite Muslim pilgrims were briefly hospitalised in Iraq after suffering respiratory distress caused by a chlorine gas leak, officials confirmed on Sunday.
The incident occurred overnight along the pilgrimage route between Najaf and Karbala, two of the country’s most sacred Shiite cities.
Source: Getty Images
Pilgrimage disrupted by chlorine leak near Karbala
The leak originated from a water treatment station situated on the Karbala-Najaf road, according to Iraq’s security forces tasked with safeguarding the annual pilgrimage.
The route is currently seeing a surge in foot traffic as millions of Shiite Muslims journey to Karbala to observe Arbaeen, a 40-day mourning period commemorating the death of Imam Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Mohammed.
Health Ministry confirms 621 cases of Asphyxia
In a statement released by Iraq’s health ministry, officials reported that “621 cases of asphyxia have been recorded following a chlorine gas leak in Karbala.” The ministry assured the public that “all have received the necessary care and left hospital in good health.”
The swift medical response helped prevent further complications, though the incident has raised renewed concerns over Iraq’s deteriorating infrastructure and lax safety enforcement.
Infrastructure failures highlighted amid pilgrimage season
The leak depicts the broader challenges facing Iraq’s public services. Decades of conflict and systemic corruption have left much of the country’s infrastructure in disrepair. Safety standards are frequently neglected, leading to deadly consequences.
Just last month, a fire at a shopping mall in the eastern city of Kut claimed over 60 lives. Many victims reportedly suffocated in the toilets, according to local authorities.
Source: AFP
Things to know about Iraq
Iraq, located in the heart of the Middle East, is a nation rich in history and cultural heritage. Home to ancient Mesopotamia, it has long been a cradle of civilisation. Today, Iraq is a federal parliamentary republic, though it continues to grapple with the legacy of decades of war, sectarian conflict, and political instability.
The country is predominantly Muslim, with Shiite and Sunni communities forming the majority. Despite vast oil reserves, infrastructure challenges and corruption persist. Iraq’s religious sites, particularly in cities like Najaf and Karbala, draw millions of pilgrims annually, underscoring its spiritual significance in the Islamic world
Death toll in Jordan chlorine gas leak rises to 13
Legit.ng earlier reported that thirteen people were killed, including at least four Asian migrants, when toxic chlorine gas escaped on the dockside in the Jordanian Red Sea port of Aqaba, officials said. More than 250 people were injured in the accident Monday, of whom 123 remained in hospital on Tuesday, according to the latest toll update.
Most were being treated for the effects of breathing chlorine gas, a common cleaning agent that also has a range of other industrial uses and can be employed as a chemical weapons agent.
The port began returning to normal Tuesday, with all docks due to be reopen except for Dock Four, where further safety checks were to be carried out, said Interior Minister General Mazen al-Faraya.
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Source: Legit.ng
