Authorities in Iraq say more than 600 Shiite pilgrims were briefly hospitalised after inhaling chlorine gas from a leak at a water treatment station overnight.
The incident occurred on the busy route between the holy cities of Najaf and Karbala, as millions travel for the Arbaeen religious observance.
The health ministry reported 621 cases of asphyxia, but confirmed all patients have been treated and discharged.
Security forces said the leak came from a facility along the Karbala Najaf road.
Iraq’s ageing infrastructure, weakened by decades of conflict and corruption, has faced repeated safety lapses including last month’s deadly mall fire in Kut that claimed over 60 lives.
