Venue owner sentenced to 10 years for deadly Hamdaniya fire that killed over 100 people

NINEVEH – A Nineveh court has sentenced the owner of Al-Haytham Events Hall in Nineveh’s Hamdaniya to ten years in prison for his role in a catastrophic fire that killed over 100 people and injured more than 200, according to a statement from the Supreme Judicial Council.

The Council’s media center reported that the court convicted the owner for causing the blaze at Al-Haytham Events Hall, which led to significant loss of life and injuries.

The statement clarified that the ruling was issued under Article 343, Section 3, of Iraq’s Penal Code No. 111 of 1969. This provision stipulates that any individual who unintentionally causes a fire to movable or immovable property, thereby endangering the lives or property of others, is subject to detention, a fine, or both penalties.

On Sept. 26, 2023, a devastating fire erupted at Al-Haytham Wedding Hall in Hamdaniya, also known as Qaraqosh, in Iraq’s Nineveh governorate. The blaze occurred around 10:45 p.m. local time during a wedding celebration attended by approximately 1,000 guests. Preliminary reports indicate that indoor fireworks ignited the ceiling, causing flames to spread rapidly due to the hall’s flammable construction materials and cladding.

The fire resulted in at least 107 deaths and injured over 200 individuals. Many victims suffered severe burns and smoke inhalation, with some requiring treatment abroad. The bride and groom survived but lost close family members in the tragedy.

Investigations revealed that the hall was constructed with highly flammable materials, including low-cost sandwich panels, which contributed to the fire’s swift spread and structural collapse. Authorities arrested 14 individuals, including the venue’s owner and staff responsible for the fireworks. Several officials were dismissed for negligence, and the government declared three days of national mourning.