Iraq investigates deadly ammonia gas leak at Basra factory

A deadly ammonia gas leak at a state-run fertilizer factory in Basra, southern Iraq, resulted in at least two deaths and 114 injuries, according to the Health Ministry. At least 21 of the injured remain hospitalized, with one in critical condition. Minister of Industry and Minerals Mohammed Nouri has appointed a special committee to investigate the cause of the leak.

Basra Governor Asaad Al Eidani stated that the situation at the plant is under control after an explosion, with gas supplies shut off and pumps secured to prevent further blasts. He noted that many who suffered serious injuries risked their lives to shut down the pumps, as failure to do so could have led to a massive explosion. Mayor Abbas Maher of Al Zubair district, where the plant is located, informed the Iraqi News Agency that residents of nearby neighborhoods were among the injured.

Basra is Iraq's primary province, housing the majority of the country's oil wealth, including 70% of Iraq's crude reserves and output and nearly all crude exports. Industrial safety in Iraq has been a concern, with inconsistencies in security and safety measures at industrial plants, and varying oversight, training, and emergency response capacities.