Anger mounts over Iraq’s deadly Covid-19 hospital fire
  • 3 years ago
The death toll from a fire that tore through a coronavirus hospital in southern Iraq rose to 92, health officials said on Tuesday, as authorities faced accusations of negligence from grieving relatives and a doctor who works there.

More than 100 people were injured in the blaze on Monday night in Nassiriya, officials said.

According to police and civil defence authorities, an investigation showed the fire began when sparks from faulty wiring spread to an oxygen tank that then exploded.

It was Iraq's second such tragedy in three months, and the country's president on Tuesday blamed corruption for both. A statement from the prime minister's office called for national mourning.

- Reuters -
Recommended