BAGHDAD — 2021 · Major Tragedy
Ibn al-Khatib Hospital Fire
On the night of 24-25 April 2021 oxygen cylinders exploded in the COVID-19 intensive care unit of Baghdad's Ibn al-Khatib Hospital, starting a fire. The lack of fire detection and suppression systems and flammable materials allowed the blaze to spread quickly. At least 82 people died (later tallies exceeded 90), including patients who had to be taken off ventilators during the evacuation, and more than 100 were injured. The prime minister suspended the health minister the next day and ordered an investigation. The disaster highlighted the state of an Iraqi health system worn down by war and neglect.
- Date
- 2021
- Place
- Baghdad, Iraq, Baghdad, IQ
- Category
- Major Tragedy
- Case Status
- Closed
- Coordinates
- 33.2242, 44.5111 ↗
Timeline of Events
- 24 April 2021An oxygen cylinder exploded in the intensive care unit at night, starting a fire.
- 25 April 2021The death toll was reported as at least 82.
- 25 April 2021The prime minister suspended the health minister and ordered an inquiry.
- April 2021Later tallies put the death toll above 90.
Sources
- CBS News — 82 people killed in Baghdad hospital fire cbsnews.com ↗
- The New Humanitarian — What was really behind Baghdad's deadly hospital fire? thenewhumanitarian.org ↗
- Wikipedia — 2021 Baghdad hospital fire en.wikipedia.org ↗
- CBS News
- The New Humanitarian
- Wikipedia
Source grade A: several independent sources, at least one an official record or reference work. If you spot a mistake or something missing, report it with "Suggest a correction" in the app.
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🕯️ This record was prepared with respect, in memory of those who lost their lives.