More than 600 pilgrims were hospitalized following a chlorine gas leak at a water treatment station along the route between Iraq’s two Shiite holy cities, Najaf and Karbala, authorities confirmed Sunday.
Mass Hospitalization Due to Chlorine Exposure
Iraq’s Health Ministry reported:
“621 cases of asphyxia have been recorded following a chlorine gas leak in Karbala.”
The ministry assured that all those hospitalized have received the necessary care and have since been discharged in good health.
Incident Details
The gas leak occurred overnight at a water treatment station on the Karbala-Najaf road, according to security personnel tasked with protecting the pilgrims.
Significance of the Pilgrimage
Millions of Shiite Muslims are expected to travel this year to Karbala, home to the shrines of Imam Hussein and his brother Abbas, as part of the Arbaeen pilgrimage.
Arbaeen marks a 40-day mourning period commemorating the death of Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Mohammed, and is one of the largest religious gatherings worldwide.
