A chlorine gas leak at a water treatment station along the Karbala-Najaf Pilgrimage Route sent more than 600 pilgrims to the hospital for a brief stay with respiratory issues. Millions of Muslims march the 80-kilometer route in observance of the 40-day mourning of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad. The incident happened overnight during the Arbaeen pilgrimage, one of the biggest yearly religious gatherings in the world.
overall, 621 cases of suffocation caused by the chlorine gas leak were confirmed by the Iraqi Health Ministry. After receiving the required medical care, all impacted individuals were released in stable condition. Security forces traced the leak to one of the water directorates along the Karbala-Najaf Pilgrimage Route. Civil defense and emergency medical teams responded quickly to assist the affected pilgrims and control the situation.
The governor of Karbala visited hospitals that were treating the victims. He stated that the majority of them had already been discharged. The incident has highlighted concerns about Iraq’s ancient infrastructure, which has been damaged by years of violence and neglect. It has been increasing the likelihood of safety accidents.
This tragedy occurred just days before the predicted peak of the Arbaeen pilgrimage. Which brings several million people to Karbala to visit the shrines of Imam Hussein and his brother Abbas. Authorities have underlined the importance of maintaining security and health safeguards to protect pilgrims during this crucial religious occasion.
Karbala-Najaf Pilgrimage Route incident of chlorine gas leak illustrates the greater issues Iraq has in terms of public safety infrastructure.
