Soran declares three-day mourning for tragic fire

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Soran administration on Saturday declared a three-day mourning period after a deadly fire swept through a university accommodation building on Friday evening, killing 14 people, a statement from the administration said. 

A deadly fire swept through a university accommodation building housing many lecturers and students of Soran University on late Friday, killing at least 14 people and injuring several others. The fire, which initial reports indicate was caused by an electric fault, was quickly extinguished, but many people did not make it out of the building alive. 

In a statement, Soran administration sent condolences to the families of the victims and “declared three days of mourning starting from Saturday.” 

“On this sad occasion, we extend our condolences to the families of the victims,” said Soran administration supervisor Halgurd Sheikh Najib, adding that Prime Minister Masrour Barzani has directed the formation of an investigation committee to determine the circumstances behind the tragedy. 

Najib labeled the blaze as a “catastrophe,” saying “all victims died due to smoke inhalation. No one was burned. The building did have an emergency exit in the back but we do not know why it was not used.” 

Fires are a perennial concern in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq where safety standards are sub-par. 

Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani “conveyed his heartfelt sympathies to the families of the victims and extended his wishes for a swift recovery to the injured” in a call with Najib, tasking authorities to “implement all essential measures to prevent the recurrence of such devastating incidents in the future.”

A source from Soran security forces (Asayish) told Rudaw that five of the dead are from northeast Syria (Rojava). 

Two of the deceased are also from the city of Salmas in western Iran. They were staying at the building as guests alongside their friends.

According to data from the Kurdistan Region Police Directorate, a total of 7,546 fire incidents were recorded across the Region in 2022. Faulty electricity and lack of basic safety measures are part of the problem.

In Hamdaniya, anger still simmers after a tragic blaze at a wedding hall in September killed more than 130 people.

Prime Minister Barzani said in a statement that he has spoken with officials in Soran and tasked them to “do everything to support and help the victims.” 

He also asked local authorities to carry out a “thorough and serious” investigation into the fire, “the safety measures of the building and other public and private buildings.”

Qubad Talabani, deputy prime minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government, said in a statement that such incidents are too common. 

“Unfortunately, similar incidents have taken place numerous times in recent years. We are in contact with the relevant authorities and we are waiting for the results of the investigations. The shortcoming parties should be legally held accountable.”