What was meant to be the happiest day of Haneen and Revan’s lives turned into a nightmare. On the eve of their wedding in Qaraqosh, a Christian town in Iraq’s Nineveh province, tragedy struck during their celebration attended by around 900 guests. As the couple danced, a fire suddenly erupted, spreading rapidly across the hall’s ceiling and plunging the event into chaos and horror.
Revan recalled hearing crackling sounds before seeing the ceiling begin to melt. He suspects the fire originated from an electrical short circuit, although initial reports blamed fireworks. Panic ensued as people screamed and rushed to escape. Revan pulled Haneen toward the kitchen door, but she suffered leg injuries as guests trampled over her in the chaos.
Authorities later confirmed the hall’s ceiling was made of highly flammable materials that violated safety regulations. Fourteen people were arrested, including those responsible for the fireworks. Iraq’s Prime Minister pledged accountability and stricter safety measures in public venues to prevent such tragedies in the future.
