KARBALA, Iraq: More than 600 pilgrims in Iraq were briefly hospitalised with respiratory problems after inhaling chlorine as the result of a leak at a water treatment station, authorities said Sunday.
The incident took place overnight on the route between the two holy cities of Najaf and Karbala, located in the centre and south of Iraq respectively. This year, several million Shiite Muslim pilgrims are expected to make their way to Karbala, which houses the shrines of the revered Imam Hussein and his brother Abbas.
There, they will mark the Arbaeen -- the 40-day period of mourning during which the Shiite Muslims commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, grandson of Holy Prophet Mohammed (PBUH).
In a brief statement, Iraq’s health ministry said “621 cases of asphyxia have been recorded following a chlorine gas leak in Karbala”.
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