Government officials have taken swift action in response to the tragic fire that occurred at a wedding in northern Iraq. On Thursday, they announced the arrest of 14 individuals, including the owners of the events hall where the incident took place. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, who visited the victims at local hospitals, expressed his commitment to ensuring the responsible parties face the strictest-possible legal penalties.
رئيس مجلس الوزراء السيد محمد شياع السوداني يوجه بإجراءات عاجلة إثر حادثة الحريق المؤسف في قضاء الحمدانية بسهل نينوى
••••••••••وجّه رئيس مجلس الوزراء السيد محمد شياع السوداني، الوزارات والمحافظات ومؤسسات الدولة كافة، باتخاذ جملة من الإجراءات العاجلة، وذلك على إثر… pic.twitter.com/wZMDSDuATM
— سعد معن – Saad Maan (@saadmaanoficial) September 27, 2023
In a statement from the prime minister’s media office, al-Sudani outlined seven directives and urgent measures in response to the fire that occurred in the Hamdaniya district of Nineveh province. An investigative committee has been formed to immediately probe the causes of the accident and identify areas of negligence.
Additionally, relevant authorities have been instructed to compile an accurate list of the victims and their families to guarantee they receive their legal rights and appropriate financial compensation. Al-Sudani declared a three-day mourning period for all institutions across the country to honor the lives lost and console their loved ones.
In a bid to prevent future tragedies, the prime minister pledged that the Civil Defense Directorate would continue to inspect the structural safety of “large buildings, malls, restaurants, event halls, and hotels” to identify potential risks and rectify safety violations.
The 72-hour investigation period to announce its findings is set to conclude on Sunday.