Wedding fire: More than 100 people killed during celebration in Iraq

Devastating moment huge fire breaks out during ‘first dance’ at a wedding in Iraq. The bride and groom are feared to be among at least 114 killed by the deadly blaze, after the raging inferno 'started by fireworks' engulfed hall filled with 900 guests. Video footage shows the newlyweds Haneen and Revan slow-dancing before the blaze tore through the large hall in the northern town of Qaraqosh near Mosul. Hundreds of wedding guests, many of them children, were rushed to hospital with severe burns across their bodies, with many fighting for their lives. 150 more guests were injured and 50 are in critical condition.

#dailymail #weddingfire #iraq

[lothean]

Its always important to know where the exits are in any building. I was taught this when I was very young. Everyone watching this video should remember this. It may save your life one day.

[ddr]

From a happy celebration to tragedy. So sad... Condolences to the families and Iraqi people... from the Philippines.

[persvendsen]

It is beyond stupidity to have these kinds of firework inside, it breaks my heart to see so many children inside and probably among the victims.

[Ghazal]

Why keep fireworks indoors ? Complete safety hazard

[casetrackerlcac]

One would think after nightclub The Station burned in 2003, killing 100, using these exact fireworks, known as "gerbs" indoors during a concert, people would know not to use these devices indoors without the necessary space and safety measures to prevent building materials from igniting.

[touringthecitywalking]

A very sad thing happened at an Iraqi wedding yesterday. They used indoor fireworks, and it caused a huge fire. No common sense at all to light fireworks inside a closed space. How ridiculous this can be?! Sadly, so far 150 people. This happened because lots of Arabs still follow a tradition of using fireworks and guns at happy events like weddings. Just last month in Jordan, a closest friend accidentally shot the groom because of this “gun ceremony" at his wedding.

This shows that these traditions can be very dangerous. Many guests, even kids, got hurt badly in the fire. Instead of abolishing this nonsense practice and finding a safer solution to express their happiness, these Iraqis started blaming each other after the tragic incident occurred. But if nothing bad happens, they keep doing the same things again and again. It's important to learn from these tragedies and stop these risky traditions before more people get hurt.

[BaruchJW]

How to save yourself in a fire:
Stay close to the floor, and move quickly to the nearest exit. Smoke makes it hard to see, and most fire deaths are caused by smoke inhalation. Leave behind personal items. Seconds can make the difference between life and death.

[Michael-nsey]

Tall flames indoors - what could possibly go wrong?

[innocentbystander]

With respect, letting fireworks off indoors not the smartest move.

[olyclzn]

why the hell would you use live fire as lighting, especially near combustible materials, when leds are so readily available. the wedding planners and event host needs some serious time in jail. horrific lesson for survivors to be more diligent and observant too

[nishthalama]

Omg one has to have no common sense at all to light fireworks inside a closed space. Ridiculous. Sue those people. RIP

[AyeWitness]

Indoor fireworks 💥 now there’s a bright idea 💡

[Juju-eck]

MY COUSINS DIED IN THERE😭❤ RIP TO MY FAMILY AND THOSE WHO DIED❤

[racingheart]

2 major compromising defects
1st: poor interior designing material choosing in False Ceiling.
2nd missing/non-functioning smoke detectors, water sprinklers, wall hanging fire extinguisher.

[blonddali]

This is sad, but a grim reminder never to play with fire inside a building.

[carldrach]

Fireworks that shoot sparks 10000 feet into the air with a roof over your head? At least this country is known for their engineering prowess. Honestly, my prayers to those maimed or killed in this avoidable tragedy.

[dsbmwhacker]

Heartbreaking 😢
As a burn survivor, I know all too well what the injured are facing. 😢

[lorraineavery]

This is Tragic, my prayers to all concerned🙏🏻

[Mbase-apollo]

This reminds me of the station nightclub fire caused by indoor fireworks, what a tragedy, my condolences to the families involved.

[IraqiProfessionalPlayersGate]

Condolences to all these families who lost their beloved people.
R.I.P to the innocent people who paid their lives just because of a stupid mistake committed by the organizers and the lack of the basic safety procedures of the hall owners.
For the people who doubt about the toll of death, I want to confirm that more than 150 people were killed, and over than 200 hundreds are injured, some of them are i. A critical condition.
The attendance of the people at that ceremony was over 1000.
In Iraq, wedding ceremonies usually host that large numbers of people.
Alcohol and various beverages are served besides the dinner dishes to all the guests.