82 Killed, Dozens Injured in Massive Fire at Hospital in Baghdad

At least 82 killed and dozens injured in a massive fire that erupted at a hospital for COVID-19 cases in Baghdad, reports indicated on Sunday.

The fire took place late Saturday after several oxygen tanks exploded at Ibn al-Khatib Hospital which concerned with related-COVID-19 cases, according to the Iraqi Ministry of Health statement.

Civil defense members managed to save at least 200 members from the fire including patients. Regarding the final number of casualties, the ministry asserted that the exact figures will be available soon.

The posted videos on social media depicted the citizens and civil defense teams while attempting to end the fire and saving the people trapped in the hospital.

In the same context, Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi mourned the death of dozens of citizens and called for an immediate investigation.

"Prime Minister and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces Kadhimi mourns the martyrs of the tragic accident that occurred in Ibn Al-Khatib Hospital in the capital Baghdad," the Prime Minister's office tweeted on Sunday.

In addition, Iraq announced the status of national mourning after the tragic accident.