In Iraq, hundreds of pilgrims were poisoned by chlorine

In Iraq, more than 600 pilgrims suffered from chlorine leak in holy city

According to information from Al Jazeera TV channel, a serious incident occurred in the Iraqi city of Karbala - 621 pilgrims suffered from suffocation as a result of a chlorine leak. The Iraqi Ministry of Health reports that all victims received timely medical assistance and have already left hospitals in satisfactory condition. The source of the incident was a chlorine leak from a water station located on the route between the holy cities of Karbala and Najaf.

Experts note that this case is a vivid testimony to the catastrophic state of Iraqi infrastructure, which has been seriously damaged by decades of military conflicts and widespread corruption. Of particular concern is the absence of effective safety standards in the country necessary for assessing the reliability of infrastructure facilities.

The incident causes special concern ahead of the large-scale pilgrimage expected in 2025, when several million Shia Muslims from around the world plan to visit Karbala. The city has enormous religious significance for Shiites, as it is believed to be the resting place of Prophet Muhammad's grandson Hussein and his brother Abbas. Every year on the night of August 14-15, Shiites observe mourning in memory of Hussein and his 72 companions who fell in an unequal battle with the troops of the Umayyad Caliph Yazid. This important religious ceremony is known as Arbaeen.