Chlorine gas leak in Karbala causes 621 people to suffer from asphyxiation

621 people were injured with asphyxiation cases due to inhaling chlorine gas after it leaked from a water purification station near the Karbala - Najaf road, according to the Iraqi Ministry of Health announced on Sunday, August 10.

The ministry's statement said: "621 cases of asphyxiation were recorded due to the chlorine gas leak incident," confirming that all the injured "received the necessary treatment and left the hospitals in good health."

Security sources reported that the incident occurred late Saturday to Sunday on the road leading to Karbala, which is currently witnessing the arrival of millions of Shia visitors to perform the rituals of the Arbaeen of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him). They clarified that the leak resulted from a malfunction in one of the water treatment stations, noting that the cases were "limited" and did not leave serious complications.

This incident comes amid preparations in Karbala to receive large numbers of pilgrims, including delegations from outside Iraq, especially from Iran. The city faces unprecedented congestion annually during major religious occasions.

On another note, the incident raises questions about the quality of infrastructure and safety requirements in vital facilities in Iraq, where incidents recur due to the continuous deterioration of basic services.

It is worth noting that a shopping center fire in Wasit province last July resulted in the deaths of more than 60 people, including those who died from asphyxiation, according to media reports.

Karbala, located 110 km south of the capital Baghdad, houses the shrines of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) and his brother Abbas (peace be upon him), and witnesses one of the largest human gatherings during visitation seasons.