Heater explosion kills two brothers in Basra’s Al-Zubair

BASRA — Two brothers lost their lives, and their father sustained severe injuries on Friday in the Al-Shuaiba area of Al-Zubair district, Basra governorate, after an oil heater exploded due to an electrical short circuit.

“Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family of Professor Ali Al-Suhail, who tragically lost his two sons, aged 19 and 16, due to smoke inhalation from the fire,” said Abbas Maher, the district commissioner of Al-Zubair, speaking to 964media.

“The fire was caused by an electrical short circuit, which led to the ignition of the oil heater operating in their home. Despite the prompt arrival of civil defense teams, the fire spread rapidly due to the sandwich panel construction on the first floor, making it difficult to control,” Maher added.

He urged residents to remain vigilant, especially during the ongoing cold wave and falling temperatures. “This tragedy underscores the importance of regularly inspecting and maintaining heating devices during winter,” he said.

Eyewitness Mohammed Ali told 964media, “The fire claimed the lives of the two brothers, Montadhar and Mustafa, and left their father, Professor Ali Al-Suhail, with severe burns across most of his body.”