16 students treated after school fire in Kufa

NAJAF — A fire broke out Tuesday at Al-Ra’i Al-Islah Elementary School in the Al-Barakiya area of Kufa, reportedly caused by an electrical short circuit in the school’s shop, according to initial information from local officials.

Civil defense teams quickly arrived at the scene, evacuating teachers and students through exits and stairways, while some were moved to the roof for safety.

Civil Defense media director Ali Tweij said in an audio message obtained by 964media that no deaths were reported. Najaf Health Directorate spokesperson Maher Al-Aboudi said 16 students suffered from smoke inhalation. “Eight cases were treated on-site with oxygen, while 10 were transported to Al-Furat Al-Awsat Hospital and six to Al-Sadr Teaching Hospital,” he said.

In a statement, the Civil Defense Directorate said, “The heroes of the Civil Defense in Najaf managed, within minutes, to contain a fire that broke out inside Al-Ra’i Al-Islah Elementary School in Kufa District, while simultaneously carrying out evacuation operations for students and staff.” The statement added that “13 minor cases of suffocation among students and staff were recorded due to smoke inhalation, and material damage inside the school was limited.”