Drama in Iraq corona ward hospital: more than 90 deaths due to fire, relatives are furious Abroad

Furious relatives and a doctor who works at the hospital in the city of Nasiriya accuse authorities of negligence. Basic safety measures such as a sprinkler system and a fire alarm were lacking, he said. In recent months, according to the doctor, there have been many complaints about this, but there would be no money for it.

Family members had previously clashed with the police in which police cars were set on fire. In the city’s cemetery, people expressed their anger at the lack of response from the fire service.

Exploded oxygen tank

The fire broke out on Monday in the corona ward of the Imam al-Hussein hospital in the city, 375 kilometers south of the capital Baghdad. The cause was probably an exploded oxygen tank after a short circuit due to bad wiring. Rescue teams try to remove charred and molten parts of the hospital building with a heavy crane truck.

Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi has ordered an investigation. City, county and hospital managers have been suspended and arrested. President Barham Salih said on Twitter that the tragedy is due to corruption and mismanagement. Days of national mourning have been declared.

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