Over 600 pilgrims hospitalised due to chlorine gas leak in Iraq

Karbala, Iraq: More than 600 pilgrims in Iraq were briefly hospitalised with respiratory problems after inhaling chlorine as the result of a leak at a...

Karbala, Iraq: More than 600 pilgrims in Iraq were briefly hospitalised with respiratory problems after inhaling chlorine as the result of a leak at a water treatment station, authorities said Sunday.

The incident took place overnight on the route between the two cities of Najaf and Karbala, located in the centre and south of Iraq respectively.

This year, several million Shiite Muslim pilgrims are expected to make their way to Karbala, which houses the shrines of the revered Imam Hussein and his brother Abbas.

There, they will mark the Arbaeen -- the 40-day period of mourning during which Shiites commemorate the death of Hussein, grandson of the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH).

In a brief statement, Iraq's health ministry said "621 cases of asphyxia have been recorded following a chlorine gas leak in Karbala".