On Sunday, health officials in Iraq confirmed that a chlorine gas leak at a water treatment plant near Karbala left more than 621 people suffering from mild to moderate suffocation symptoms.
The incident occurred early Sunday at a plant located about 110 kilometers south of Baghdad, causing concern among travelers and residents alike. Major Abbas al-Zaidi of the Karbala police attributed the leak to a technical malfunction in the plant's chlorine storage system.
"Ambulances and civil defense teams immediately responded and sent affected individuals to local hospitals," said al-Zaidi. All patients received prompt medical care, and no life-threatening cases were reported.
Most of those treated were Shiite pilgrims making the annual Arbaeen journey on foot to Karbala. Arbaeen marks the end of the 40-day mourning period for Imam Hussein, who was killed in the 680 AD battle of Karbala.
This rare industrial accident in a city known for its deep spiritual significance highlights the challenges of maintaining critical infrastructure during major cultural events. Authorities are now investigating the cause of the malfunction and reviewing safety protocols to prevent future leaks.
Reference(s):
Iraq reports over 600 cases of suffocation following chlorine gas leak
cgtn.com
