Over 600 Pilgrims Hospitalised After Chlorine Gas Leak in Iraq
Baghdad, August 10, 2025 – Over 600 Shia pilgrims in Iraq were temporarily hospitalised with respiratory issues after breathing in chlorine gas from a leakage at a water treatment plant, officials confirmed on Sunday.
The leak took place overnight on the main road connecting the sacred cities of Najaf and Karbala, a road that millions of pilgrims are to walk this year for religious rituals.
Health officials reported that most of the patients had mild to moderate symptoms and were treated and released, with no deaths reported. Emergency teams were sent to cordon off the leak and protect the pilgrimage path.
Authorities have opened an investigation into what caused the leak and have guaranteed that water supplies in the region are still safe to drink.
The accident occurs as Iraq is gearing up for a huge influx of pilgrims, increasing fears of safety and readiness for emergencies at large religious events
