ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The diplomatic missions of the US, Canada and Germany on Monday expressed their sadness over a devastating blaze at Erbil’s historical Qaysari Bazaar the day before. Over 100 people were injured and more than 200 shops were burnt in the fire.
The fire took place late Sunday. An investigative committee has been formed to probe the incident.
“We express our sympathy to all those who were affected by the tragic fire than broke out at Qaysari Bazaar,” said the US consulate in a statement, wishing the affected people a “smooth and speedy recovery.”
“With the team at the Canadian Embassy, we are deeply saddened by the news of the tragic fire incident at Erbil’s Qaysari baz[a]ar last night. Our thoughts are with the people who have been impacted by this distressing event. Grateful for the swift response of emergency services,” Kathy Bunka, Canadian ambassador to Baghdad said in a post on X.
The German consulate in Erbil followed suit, wishing the injuries speedy recovery.
Erbil governor’s office said in a statement that 132 people were injured in the inferno, including firefighters and police officers. A total of 227 shops and seven storages were burnt in the fire. The bazaar has over 4,000 shops.
This is the second large fire in Erbil in the span of a month. Flames engulfed the popular Langa Bazaar on April 8, burning down the textile and clothing section and causing millions of dollars in damage.
Fires remain a constant worry in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq due to inadequate safety standards. Electrical faults and lack of basic safety measures are a major part of the problem.
Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani also expressed his sadness over the damage caused to the shops and the injury of people, thanking firefighters and members of security forces for preventing further damage to the grand bazaar.
Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani visited the bazaar after the fire, promising to do his best to help the affected people.
“It has happened far too often. We will determine the root cause and strengthen regulation. We will help everyone recover. Together,” he said in a post on X.
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