What started as a wedding celebration in Qaraqosh quickly turned into a heartbreaking tragedy when a fire broke out in the banquet hall. Haneen and Revan’s wedding, attended by about 900 guests, was shattered by this sudden disaster.
The fire erupted between 10 and 10:45 p.m., spreading fast through the flammable ceiling material. Revan recalled the terrifying moment when the ceiling melted and thick smoke filled the room, causing panic among the guests. In the chaos, many people were injured or crushed.
The groom managed to pull his wife to safety, though she was hurt during the escape. Sadly, more than 100 people died, with dozens more injured. The couple lost ten family members, devastating their lives.
Authorities linked the fire to either faulty wiring or fireworks and charged several individuals. The Iraqi government vowed severe consequences and to tighten safety rules.
The trauma deeply affected Haneen and Revan, who shared their feelings of numbness and grief. They decided to leave their hometown, where every memory is now painful. Their story is a sobering lesson on the importance of safety at large events.
