ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - A gas cylinder exploded inside a bakery in the Iraqi southern Babil province on Wednesday evening, injuring 30 people, nine of whom are in critical condition, a medical source told Rudaw.
“Thirty people were injured due to the explosion of that cylinder, with nine of them in serious condition,” the source said on condition of anonymity.
The explosion triggered a fire, which caused additional injuries, particularly among those who suffered severe burns. Most of the injured are being treated for burn wounds at a local hospital.
Following the incident, Babil Governor Adnan Fayhan al-Dulaymi ordered the formation of an investigative committee to determine the cause of the explosion and deliver a report within 24 hours.
The committee began its work Wednesday evening, and findings are expected to be released on Thursday.
Gas cylinders are widely used in homes and businesses due to the absence of centralized gas systems. They pose a frequent safety risk, often causing leaks and explosions.
In Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, the traditional tannour oven is typically made of clay or metal, shaped like a bell or large cylinder with an opening at the top or side. Gas burns at the bottom while bakers press flattened dough onto the inner walls until it bakes.
Nahro Mohammed contributed to this report.
