An explosion in a packed house in Sulaimani’s Kaziwa neighborhood on Thursday resulted in the complete collapse of the property which trapped dozens under the rubble. The blast, attributed to a buildup of gas inside the house after the LPG tank leaked, killed 15 people and injured a further 12.
“The cause of the explosion was 100 percent due to the gas system. A technician who had no official license came here from Rojhelat [Iran’s western Kurdish areas] and modified the system of the house, and because of the gas leak, this tragedy happened,” Sulaimani civil defense director Diyar Ibrahim told reporters at the site.
Six of the 12 injured victims were quickly admitted to Sulaimani’s Shar Hospital, with four undergoing emergency surgery and another placed in the intensive care unit (ICU), Rudaw’s Nizar Jaza said from the hospital.
Kurdistan Region Interior Minister Reber Ahmed arrived at the scene to offer assistance to the victims and extend a hand of support, as well as express condolences on Prime Minister Masrour Barzani’s behalf.
During his visit, Ahmed also thanked the civil defense teams and volunteers who quickly stepped in and offered assistance following the explosion.
Barzani on Thursday said that he had tasked Sulaimani Governor Haval Abubakir to “carry out a detailed and quick investigation” about the incident and provide the victims with “anything they need.”
US Ambassador to Iraq Alina Romanowski also extended her condolences to the victims in a tweet.
Our sincere condolences for the tragic loss of life from the gas tank explosion in Sulaymaniya. Our sympathies go out to the families of the victims. We wish a full recovery to the injured and send our sincere appreciation to the rescue workers.
— Ambassador Alina L. Romanowski (@USAmbIraq) November 18, 2022
President Nechirvan Barzani expressed his condolences in a tweet to the families of the dead and wished a speedy recovery for the injured.
The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) described the incident as “horrific” while commending the rescuers “for their relentless efforts.”
