Conclusion on the cause of the wedding fire that killed 107 people

Volunteers search for victims of a fire at a wedding on September 26 in Iraq.

Reuters reported on October 2 that an investigation by the Iraqi government has just concluded the catastrophic fire at a wedding in the north of the country that killed more than 100 people.

Interior Minister Abdul Amir al-Shammari said the cause of the fire in the town of Qaraqosh (Hamdniya district, Nineveh province) on September 26 was "serious negligence" and lack of safety measures.

Specifically, the wedding center owner and 3 employees allowed 900 people to attend, even though the place was only designed for a maximum of 400 people.

"The fire was accidental and occurred due to serious negligence. The use of flammable decorations helped the fire spread rapidly and turned the hall into a fireball," according to the investigation results.

The fire trapped many people inside the banquet hall and rescue teams had difficulty accessing it due to the few and small exits, according to Mr. Shammari.

In addition to the dead, at least 150 people were injured at the wedding center, located in a town with a large Catholic community.

The Interior Ministry put the death toll at 107, despite earlier reports that 117 people had died. Investigators have asked the government to provide financial assistance to the injured and the families of the dead.

In addition, the investigation agency also proposed legal action against the local officials involved. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani visited two local hospitals on September 26 to visit the victims of the wedding fire and pledged to hold those involved accountable.

According to AFP, among the five people dismissed were a local mayor and the head of the fire department. In addition, the head of the local civil defense force was also disciplined.

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