Over 600 Pilgrims Hospitalized After Chlorine Gas Leak Between Najaf and Karbala, Iraq

Karbala/Najaf, Iraq— More than 600 Shiite Muslim pilgrims were hospitalized with respiratory problems due to inhaling chlorine gas from a leak at a water treatment station on the route between the holy cities of Najaf and Karbala.

The incident, which occurred overnight on the Karbala-Najaf road, affected hundreds of pilgrims making their way to Karbala to observe Arbaeen—the 40-day mourning period commemorating Imam Hussein, a revered figure in Shiite Islam.

Iraq’s health ministry reported that “621 cases of asphyxia” were recorded following the chlorine leak. Fortunately, all affected individuals received medical treatment and were discharged in stable condition.

Security forces responsible for protecting pilgrims confirmed the cause of the incident was a chlorine release from a water station along the pilgrimage route.

This event highlights ongoing challenges with Iraq’s aging infrastructure, which has suffered from decades of conflict and poor maintenance, leading to safety hazards.

Millions of pilgrims are expected to participate in the commemoration at Karbala, home to the shrines of Imam Hussein and his brother Abbas, making the safe management of pilgrimage routes a top priority for authorities.

By Enoch Odesola | August 11, 2025