What was meant to be the happiest day of Haneen and Revan’s lives turned into a nightmare. On the eve of their wedding in Qaraqosh, a Christian town in Iraq’s Nineveh province, tragedy struck during their celebration attended by around 900 guests. As the couple danced, a fire suddenly erupted, spreading rapidly across the hall’s ceiling and plunging the event into chaos and horror.
Revan recalled hearing crackling sounds before seeing the ceiling begin to melt. He suspects the fire originated from an electrical short circuit, although initial reports blamed fireworks. Panic ensued as people screamed and rushed to escape. Revan pulled Haneen toward the kitchen door, but she suffered leg injuries as guests trampled over her in the chaos.
Prior to the wedding, Revan’s father had expressed concern about using fireworks indoors. Though reassured by the venue owners that they were safe, the situation spiraled out of control when the fire broke out. Only one ineffective fire extinguisher was available. Many were injured or trapped, and the ceiling quickly collapsed. Haneen lost ten relatives, including her mother and brother, while her father was severely hurt.
Authorities later confirmed the hall’s ceiling was made of highly flammable materials that violated safety regulations. Fourteen people were arrested, including those responsible for the fireworks. Iraq’s Prime Minister pledged accountability and stricter safety measures in public venues to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Haneen and Revan have been emotionally shattered. Unable to remain in their hometown, they are haunted by grief and trauma. Haneen has not spoken since the incident, and Revan described them as “dead inside,” forever burdened by a day that should have marked a joyful beginning.