A devastating fire engulfed a commercial building in Baghdad, the capital of Iraq, on Thursday, July 17, leaving at least 24 people dead and more than 20 injured, according to local authorities. The blaze broke out in a wholesale market located in the Al-Karrada neighborhood, a busy area frequented by shoppers and workers.
The flames spread rapidly, catching many inside the building by surprise. Numerous victims were unable to escape in time, and rescue teams worked for hours to recover bodies and assist the injured. Images from the scene show a completely charred structure and heartbreaking scenes of despair among the victims’ families.
Authorities stated that the cause of the fire is still under investigation, though it is suspected that an electrical fault or the presence of flammable materials inside the market may have contributed to the tragedy.
How common are these types of fires in Iraq?
Unfortunately, fires in public and commercial buildings are not uncommon in Iraq due to poor infrastructure, faulty electrical systems, and a general lack of safety regulations. This tragedy once again highlights the urgent need to improve prevention standards in high-traffic areas.
The Iraqi government has promised a thorough investigation and measures to prevent a similar disaster from happening again.
