NAJAF, IRAQ – August 11, 2025 – A chlorine gas leak at a water treatment station on the road between the holy cities of Najaf and Karbala has resulted in the hospitalization of over 600 Shia pilgrims, the Iraqi Ministry of Health confirmed today. The pilgrims, who were on their way to Karbala to participate in the annual Arbaeen commemoration, suffered from respiratory problems after inhaling the gas.
The leak originated from a water station on the major pilgrimage route. In a statement, the Ministry of Health reported that emergency services and medical teams responded swiftly to the incident, providing immediate care to the affected individuals. All 621 recorded cases of asphyxia were treated and subsequently discharged from hospitals in good health, with no fatalities reported.
The incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding the safety and maintenance of Iraq’s infrastructure, particularly in high-traffic areas during major religious events. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the leak and to prevent future occurrences.
More than 600 Shia pilgrims in Iraq have been briefly hospitalised with respiratory problems after inhaling chlorine as the result of a leak at a water treatment station, according to authorities https://t.co/Xy7LFEYl5J pic.twitter.com/PBznSmTMR9
— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) August 10, 2025
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