Egypt offers condolences to Iraq over fire victims in Nineveh

Ahram Online , Wednesday 27 Sep 2023

Egypt extended its condolences to Iraq in the wake of the tragic wedding fire in Nineveh province, which resulted in hundreds of deaths and injuries, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Wednesday.

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A firefighter checks the damage in an event hall in Qaraqosh, also known as Hamdaniyah, after a fire broke out during a wedding, killing at least 100 people and injuring more than 150, on September 27, 2023. AFP

 

According to the ministry's spokesman, Ambassador Ahmed Abu Zeid, Egypt expressed its solidarity with Iraq during these difficult times.

The ministry extended its condolences to the Iraqi government and people, as well as to the families of the victims, wishing the injured a speedy recovery.

A fire erupted during a wedding at an event hall in the northern Iraqi town of Qaraqosh in Nineveh, resulting in the loss of at least 100 lives and leaving more than 150 injured, Iraqi officials said on Wednesday.

Iraqi civil defence authorities reported the presence of prefabricated panels inside the event hall that were "highly flammable and contravened safety standards."

The danger was compounded by the "release of toxic gases linked to the combustion of the panels" which contained plastic, according to Iraqi authorities.

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