Over 600 Pilgrims Hospitalised Due To Chlorine Gas Leak In Iraq \u2022 Channels Television
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More than 600 pilgrims in Iraq were briefly hospitalised with respiratory problems after inhaling chlorine as the result of a leak at a water treatment station, authorities said Sunday.<\/strong><\/p>\n The incident took place overnight on the route between the two Shiite holy cities of Najaf and Karbala, located in the centre and south of Iraq respectively.<\/p>\n This year, several million Shiite Muslim pilgrims are expected to make their way to Karbala, which houses the shrines of the revered Imam Hussein and his brother Abbas.<\/p>\n There, they will mark the Arbaeen \u2014 the 40-day period of mourning during which Shiites commemorate the death of Hussein, grandson of the Prophet Mohammed.<\/p>\n READ ALSO:<\/strong> Iran Investigates 20 Arrested Over Alleged Links With Israel<\/p>\n In a brief statement, Iraq\u2019s health ministry said \u201c621 cases of asphyxia have been recorded following a chlorine gas leak in Karbala\u201d.<\/p>\n \u201cAll have received the necessary care and left hospital in good health,\u201d it said.<\/p>\n Security forces charged with protecting pilgrims meanwhile said the incident had been caused by \u201ca chlorine leak from a water station on the Karbala-Najaf road\u201d.<\/p>\n Much of Iraq\u2019s infrastructure is in disrepair due to decades of conflict and corruption, with adherence to safety standards often lax.<\/p>\n In July, a massive fire at a shopping mall in the eastern city of Kut killed more than 60 people, many of whom suffocated in the toilets, according to authorities.<\/p>\n