2021 Baghdad hospital fire

The 2021 Baghdad hospital fire was a tragic incident that occurred on the night of 24 to 25 April 2021 at the Ibn al-Khatib hospital in Baghdad, Iraq. The fire resulted in the death of at least 82 people and left 110 others injured. It was caused by the explosion of oxygen tanks that were intended for COVID-19 patients. The lack of fire detection and suppression systems in the hospital contributed to the rapid spread of the fire. Many patients had to be taken off their ventilators in order to escape, leading to further casualties.

The incident highlighted the need for accountability and raised concerns about the safety measures in place at healthcare facilities. In response to the tragedy, Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi suspended the Minister for Health, Hassan al-Tamimi, the day after the fire. The government faced calls to address the shortcomings in fire safety protocols and ensure the protection of patients and healthcare workers.

The 2021 Baghdad hospital fire serves as a reminder of the importance of robust fire prevention and response measures in healthcare settings, particularly during times of crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic. It also underscores the need for continuous evaluation and improvement of safety standards to prevent similar tragedies in the future.