Early Sunday, a technical glitch at a drinking water treatment plant near Karbala triggered a chlorine gas leak, leaving more than 621 pilgrims struggling with suffocation. 🚑 Local hospitals treated everyone, and luckily, most cases are mild to moderate.
Chlorine is a common disinfectant used to keep water safe, but when it escapes in high doses, it irritates lungs, eyes, and throat. That’s why plant safety checks are a non-negotiable routine. 🔍
The bulk of those affected were Shiite pilgrims on the annual Arbaeen walk—an intense 40-day mourning march marking the martyrdom of Imam Hussein. Every year, millions trek to Karbala, but this time a leak added an unexpected twist. 💧
Major Abbas al-Zaidi of the Karbala police confirmed ambulances and civil defense teams rushed victims to nearby hospitals. Most have already been discharged or are on the road to recovery.
Iraq’s Health Ministry says the treatment plant is under inspection, and officials urge both pilgrims and locals to stay tuned for updates. Safety first, always! 🙌
For the digitally curious: think of a water treatment plant like a data center—one small error can impact the whole network. Here’s hoping this incident drives more investment in maintenance and safety tech. 🔧💡
Next time you gear up for a long pilgrimage or any big travel, keep an eye on local advisories and stay hydrated. Karbala’s historic streets await, safe and sound. 💙
Reference(s):
Iraq reports over 600 cases of suffocation following chlorine gas leak
cgtn.com
