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More than 600 pilgrims in Iraq were temporarily hospitalized due to respiratory issues after inhaling chlorine caused by a leak from a water treatment facility, authorities reported on Sunday.
The event occurred overnight along the route connecting the two Shiite holy cities of Najaf and Karbala, situated in central and southern Iraq, respectively.
This year, millions of Shiite Muslim pilgrims are anticipated to travel to Karbala, home to the shrines of the esteemed Imam Hussein and his brother Abbas.
There, they will observe Arbaeen, a 40-day mourning period honoring the death of Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Mohammed.
Iraq's health ministry released a brief statement indicating, “621 cases of asphyxia have been reported following a chlorine gas leak in Karbala.” In related news, the health ministry noted, “All have received the necessary care and have been discharged in good health.”
Security forces responsible for the safety of the pilgrims of conflict and corruption, with safety regulations often ignored.
In July, a significant fire at a shopping mall in the eastern city of Kut claimed over 60 lives, many of whom suffocated in the bathrooms, according to officials attributed the incident to “a chlorine leak from a water facility on the Karbala-Najaf road.” Much of Iraq's infrastructure remains dilapidated from years
