More than 600 pilgrims in Iraq were hospitalized after breathing in chlorine gas from a leak at a water treatment station. The incident happened late at night on the road between the holy cities of Najaf and Karbala, two key religious centers in Iraq.

Each year, millions of Shiite Muslim pilgrims travel to Karbala to visit the shrines of Imam Hussein and his brother Abbas. This journey is part of the Arbaeen pilgrimage, which marks 40 days of mourning for Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad.

According to Iraq's health ministry, 621 people suffered breathing problems caused by the chlorine leak in Karbala. Medical teams quickly treated the victims, and all of them were discharged from hospitals in stable condition.

Security officials said the leak came from a water station along the Karbala–Najaf route. This road is one of the busiest paths for pilgrims, especially during the Arbaeen period, when millions walk long distances to reach the holy shrines.

Experts say Iraq's aging infrastructure and weak safety rules contribute to such incidents. Years of war, political instability, and corruption have left many facilities in poor condition, with maintenance often neglected.

Despite the scare, authorities have assured that safety measures are being reinforced to protect the pilgrims. Security forces remain on high alert, and medical teams are stationed along the route to provide immediate help if needed during the rest of the pilgrimage season.

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