More than 600 pilgrims in Iraq suffered breathing difficulties due to the release of chlorine gas from a water treatment station and had to be taken to the hospital for a short period.
According to Iraqi authorities, the incident occurred during the night between Saturday and Sunday on the route between Najaf and Karbala in central and southern Iraq.
AFP reports that several million Shia pilgrims are expected to travel to Karbala this year, where the shrines of Imam Hussain (RA) and his brother Hazrat Abbas (RA) are located, to observe Arbaeen. Arbaeen marks the 40-day mourning period commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (RA), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
In a brief statement, Iraq’s Ministry of Health said, “A total of 621 cases of suffocation were reported following the release of chlorine gas.” The statement added that “all patients were provided with the necessary medical care and have been discharged after recovery.”
Security forces responsible for protecting the pilgrims stated that the incident was caused by the leakage of chlorine from a water station located on the Karbala–Najaf road.
Most of Iraq’s infrastructure is in poor condition due to decades of conflict and corruption, with safety standards often poorly enforced. In July, a massive fire broke out in a shopping mall in the eastern city of Kut, killing more than 60 people, most of whom died from suffocation in the restrooms.
