Over 600 pilgrims hospitalised because of chlorine fuel leak in Iraq

More than 600 pilgrims in Iraq had been briefly hospitalised with respiratory issues after inhaling chlorine as the results of a leak at a water remedy station, authorities stated Sunday (August 10, 2025).

The incident happened in a single day on the route between the 2 Shiite holy cities of Najaf and Karbala, positioned within the centre and south of Iraq respectively.

This 12 months, a number of million Shiite Muslim pilgrims are anticipated to make their technique to Karbala, which homes the shrines of the revered Imam Hussein and his brother Abbas.

There, they may mark the Arbaeen — the 40-day interval of mourning throughout which Shiites commemorate the loss of life of Hussein, grandson of the Prophet Mohammed.

In a quick assertion, Iraq’s Health Ministry stated “621 cases of asphyxia have been recorded following a chlorine gas leak in Karbala”.

“All have received the necessary care and left hospital in good health,” it stated.

Security forces charged with defending pilgrims in the meantime stated the incident had been brought on by “a chlorine leak from a water station on the Karbala-Najaf road”.

Much of Iraq’s infrastructure is in disrepair because of many years of battle and corruption, with adherence to security requirements typically lax.

In July, an enormous fireplace at a shopping center within the jap metropolis of Kut killed greater than 60 individuals, a lot of whom suffocated within the bogs, in keeping with authorities.