Over 600 Pilgrims Hospitalised After Chlorine Gas Leak on Karbala–Najaf Route in Iraq

Baghdad, August 10 (TNA) On Saturday night, more than 600 pilgrims were hospitalised after a chlorine gas leak occurred at a water treatment plant located between the two holy Shia cities of Najaf and Karbala in central and southern Iraq.

The incident took place along the Karbala–Najaf route, which is currently busy with millions of Shia Muslim pilgrims travelling to Karbala. The city is home to the revered shrines of Imam Hussein and his brother Abbas, which attract devotees from across the world.

According to a statement released by Iraq’s Ministry of Health, 621 cases of suffocation were reported following the chlorine gas leak in Karbala. All affected individuals were provided with the necessary medical treatment and have since recovered and been discharged from hospitals.

Security officials said the leak originated from a water treatment facility along the pilgrimage route.

Iraq’s infrastructure has long suffered due to years of conflict, internal unrest, and corruption, which have weakened compliance with safety standards. This year, millions of Shia Muslims are expected to participate in the Arbaeen pilgrimage in Karbala, an important annual religious observance marking 40 days of mourning for the martyrdom of Imam Hussein. The incident comes at a time when ensuring the safety of pilgrims is a top priority.

Just last month, a massive fire in a shopping centre in the eastern Iraqi city of Kut claimed the lives of more than 60 people, many of whom died due to suffocation. The Ministry of Health reassured the public that all patients affected by the latest chlorine gas leak received adequate treatment and that they returned home in good health and safety.