Eyewitnesses recount horrifying wedding hall blaze in Iraq

A devastating fire at a wedding celebration in Qaraqosh, northern Iraq, has resulted in the deaths of over 100 people and left many more injured. Witnesses have recounted scenes of horror and panic as the fire rapidly spread. Ghaly Nassim, a 19-year-old who was nearby when the fire broke out, rushed to the aid of his trapped friends. Nassim described the intense heat and likened it to the doors of Hell opening. The fire, which erupted during the bride and groom's first dance, claimed the lives of 115 people, and it remains uncertain whether the couple survived. The Iraqi Civil Defence media spokesperson explained that fireworks inside the hall ignited the highly flammable building material, exacerbating the situation. Nassim believes that a lack of emergency exits contributed to the tragedy, as guests tried to evacuate through the main entrance, potentially leading to overcrowding and stampedes. The bodies of the victims are being buried, but many families are still searching for their loved ones. The injured, many of whom have severe burns, are being treated in medical facilities that are already struggling with shortages of supplies. The emotional impact of the event is profound, with witnesses struggling to come to terms with the tragedy, and the whole country mourning the loss.