A scene from the fire incident tonight, February 27, at Langa market in Erbil. Photo: 964media
Former market council member talks to 964media
Calls for Investigation into Fire Incident at Erbil’s Langa Market
ERBIL — Following the devastating fire at Erbil’s Langa market this evening, former market council members have come forward to 964media, pinpointing the cause of the blaze to the non-operational fire extinguishing system installed after a previous fire incident.
Shakhawan Kakamem, from the former Langa market council, revealed that despite the installation of a fire extinguishing system intended to enhance safety, it was not functional at the time of the fire. “The system was in place, but due to a lack of readiness from the civil defense to operate it, it failed to activate tonight, leading to the fire,” Kakamem stated.
He further explained that the market had experienced a similar fire four years ago, prompting the installation of the extinguishing system as a preventative measure. However, maintenance and operational checks were neglected, leaving the system ineffective when needed most. “We have repeatedly requested that the system be maintained, but to no avail,” said Kakamem, who is now a shop owner within the market.