Over 600 Pilgrims Hospitalised After Chlorine Gas Leak in Iraq

At least 621 Shiite pilgrims were hospitalised overnight on Saturday after inhaling chlorine gas from a leak at a water treatment facility along the Karbala–Najaf road in Iraq, the Health Ministry confirmed on Sunday.

The victims, mostly pilgrims travelling from Najaf to Karbala for the annual Arbaeen religious observance, suffered breathing difficulties and other symptoms of asphyxia after exposure to the gas. The incident occurred during the night of August 9, 2025, at a water treatment station situated on the main pilgrimage route between the two holy cities.

Authorities said preliminary findings point to a malfunction at the facility, though a full investigation is under way to determine the exact cause of the leak. Chlorine gas escaped into the surrounding air, affecting pilgrims walking and travelling along the route.

Emergency medical teams responded swiftly, transporting the affected individuals to nearby hospitals where they were treated and later discharged in stable condition. No fatalities were reported.

The incident happened at a peak period of the Arbaeen pilgrimage, when millions of Shiite Muslims from Iraq and abroad converge on Karbala to commemorate Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad. Security and health officials have since reinforced safety measures at public utility facilities along the pilgrimage routes to prevent a recurrence.