A devastating fire engulfed a university accommodation block in Iraq's northern Kurdistan region on Friday, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 14 lives, as reported by local authorities. The building, which accommodates academic staff and students from Soran University, became the scene of a harrowing incident that drew the attention of emergency responders and the local community.
Local Kurdish television channel Rudaw captured footage of firefighters tirelessly battling the blaze in front of the affected building. Preliminary findings from the ongoing investigation point to an "electrical short circuit" as the likely cause of the fire, shedding light on the circumstances that led to the tragic incident.
The state news agency INA provided further details, confirming the grim toll of the fire. According to local health authorities, the incident resulted in the loss of 14 lives, with an additional 18 individuals sustaining injuries. The aftermath of the fire has prompted a collective outpouring of grief and concern for the well-being of those affected.
As the community grapples with the devastating consequences of the fire, questions may arise regarding safety measures, building codes, and emergency response protocols. The incident underscores the critical importance of proactive measures to prevent such tragedies and the necessity for thorough investigations to understand the root causes of such catastrophic events.