ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - A large fire engulfed Erbil city’s famous Langa bazaar on Monday morning, marking the second time in less than two months that the bazaar has caught fire. The fire has yet to be controlled.
The blaze mainly burned through the textile and clothing section of the bazaar and has so far burned at least 20 shops, according to Rudaw’s reporter on the ground Halabja Sadoon.
It is the second time in less than two months that the famous bazaar has caught fire, after a massive blaze in late February caused millions of dollars in damages to shop owners.
The bazaar is famous among locals for selling high-quality, second-hand goods, including clothing, furniture, and other items.
In 2018, a massive fire caused by a short circuit burned large parts of the Langa bazaar and left scores of shops closed for an extended period of time.
Fires are a perennial concern in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq where safety standards are sub-par. Electrical faults and lack of basic safety measures are a major part of the problem.
