Iraq reports 564 injuries during New Year’s Eve celebrations

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Ministry of Health reported on Wednesday that 564 injuries occurred during New Year’s celebrations across the country. Of these, 143 were caused by fireworks, 40 by stray gunfire, while the remaining cases stemmed from traffic accidents and other incidents. No fatalities were recorded, but several injuries are considered critical.

“Firework-related injuries during New Year’s Eve celebrations included burns of varying severity, direct eye injuries, and wounds to the limbs,” the ministry said in a statement. “Additionally, there were cases of gunshot injuries, some of which were severe and required admission to intensive care units.”

The ministry emphasized that while no deaths were reported, critical cases are still receiving treatment. Health facilities were on high alert during the night. It comes after Iraq’s Civil Defense Directorate warned the country about the dangers of improper use of pyrotechnics days before New Year’s Eve.

“The ministry faced no shortages in medical supplies or personnel during the night, and immediate assistance was provided by ambulance teams and paramedics,” the statement added.

According to the official breakdown, 143 injuries were caused by fireworks, 40 by stray gunfire, 203 by traffic accidents, and 178 by miscellaneous incidents across various governorates.

The ministry’s data does not include statistics from the Kurdistan Region, which are monitored separately by its own regional health ministry.