The newly constructed 70-bed ward at Nasiriyah's Al-Hussein Teaching Hospital was an attempt to alleviate poor conditions following years of violence that impacted on the Iraqi healthcare system. [4] In April 2021, a fire swept through a coronavirus ward in Baghdad, leaving more than 80 people killed.[5]
Fire
On 12 July 2021, a fire erupted in a COVID-19 quarantine facility, at the Al-Hussein hospital in the city of Nasiriyah.[6] A medic at the hospital who spoke to Reuters on the condition of anonymity, suggested that the hospital was lacking in safety measures such as a fire alarm or sprinkler system.[7] Reports have shown that the fire was triggered by an electrical cable that was faulty, exacerbated by oxygen cylinders which may have possibly exploded.[8] Firefighters and rescuers were seen searching through the hospital ward overnight, with victims' remains spread outside the hospital afterward.[9]
Also on 12 July, a small fire was reported to have erupted at the headquarters of the Iraqi health ministry, but no casualties were recorded as the fire was put out immediately.[10]
Casualties
As of 13 July, at least 92 people were said to have been killed in the devastating fire at the hospital in southern Iraq.[11] More than 100 people were reportedly wounded in the fire at Nasiriyah's al-Hussein Teaching Hospital, according to Euronews.[12] Several COVID-19 patients who were on respirators asphyxiated or got burnt, as a result of the fire.[13] Meanwhile, regional officials as of 17 July, placed the death toll at 60, despite earlier reports suggesting 92.[3]
Aftermath
Two police vehicles were reportedly set ablaze by angry relatives of the victims, as they clashed with the Iraqi police.[1] According to BBC, 13 arrest warrants had been issued out, following the horrific event at the Nasiriyah teaching hospital.[4] The Iraqi Prime MinisterMustafa al-Kadhimi ordered the suspension and detention of the heads of civil defense and health in Nasiriyah, after his emergency meetings with senior officials. The director of the al-Hussein Teaching Hospital was also said to have been among those whose arrest warrants were issued by the PM.[14][15]PresidentBarham Salih urged for accountability for those who were behind the incident, which he blamed on mismanagement and corruption.[16]
International reactions
Following the unfortunate event, Saudi Arabia's King Salman offered his sympathy to the Iraqi President Barham Salih.[17] The UN Special Envoy to Iraq, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, also extended her condolences to families of the victims and called for the provision of a safer hospital environment.[18]
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