News

Covid hospital fire: 82 killed by exploding oxygen tank

Published

3 years ago

April 26, 2021

Natasha Schapova

An Iraqi covid hospital fire has killed at least 82 people and left 110 injured.

The fire was caused by an exploding oxygen tank at Ibn Khatib hospital in Iraq’s capital city, Baghdad.

About “30 patients were in the intensive care unit”, which was reserved for the most severe cases of Covid, a hospital source told the AFP news agency.

Emergency service officials said many patients died when they were taken off oxygen machines to be evacuated, while others were suffocated by smoke.

A fire that ravaged a Covid-19 hospital in Iraq’s capital Bagdad has left at least 82 people dead and 110 injured pic.twitter.com/XAjjPmoYqt

— TRT World (@trtworld) April 25, 2021

The Iraqi Prime Minister suspended the health minister over the fire.

The Iraqi PM referred the health minister to authorities for investigation.

The head of Iraq’s Civil Defence, Gen Kadhim Bohan, said the fire had broken out in the hospital’s intensive-care unit.

In a statement, the government’s human rights commission said the incident was “a crime against patients exhausted by Covid-19”.

“Once the fire started somebody needed to put the auto central pipes off, which means basically cutting the oxygen from those who need it most,” Halla Sarraf, the director of Iraqi Health Access, a non-governmental organisation, told the BBC.

The fire adds strain as Iraq passes the one-million mark of Covid infections this week.

Iraq’s hospitals have been pushed to the limit during the coronavirus pandemic, adding to the strains wrought by years of war, neglect and corruption.

Covid infections have been rising steeply since February in Iraq, and the total passed the one-million mark this week.

The health ministry has recorded 1,025,288 cases and 15,217 deaths since the pandemic began.

The country launched its vaccination campaign last month, and has received nearly 650,000 doses, most of which have come from Covax, a global programme for sharing jabs.

News

TikTok’s fate in the United States

Published

2 days ago

May 4, 2024

ticker NEWS

TikTok’s fate in the United States has never been more in doubt.

Congress approved a bill, which President Joe Biden signed into law that gives its Chinese parent company two options: sell it to an approved buyer or see it banned.

But now, the owners of the popular social media app says they’re preparing to challenge the statute in court.

Andy Keiser a Senior Fellow at the National Security Institute, and a Former Senior Advisor for the House Intelligence Committee joins Veronica Dudo to discuss. #IN AMERICA TODAY #featured #business #socialmedia #TikTok #TikTokban #nationalsecurity

News

Writer’s strike fallout: theatres recycling films in lieu of fresh content?

Published

2 days ago

May 4, 2024

ticker NEWS

In an industry constantly looking towards the future, anniversary re-releases offer a welcome opportunity to celebrate the past.

In an era of nostalgia, anniversary re-releases of classic films like “Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace,” “Spider-Man 2,” and “Shrek 2” are captivating audiences anew.

From the thrill of podracing to the iconic battles between heroes and villains, these films offer a chance to relive cherished moments on the big screen.

Tobey Maguire’s Spider-Man swings back into action, Shrek and his crew return for another hilarious adventure, and the galaxy far, far away beckons once more.

As fans of all ages flock to theaters, these timeless classics remind us why great storytelling endures, bridging generations and captivating audiences with their magic.

News

The ongoing alcohol related research many ignore

Published

3 days ago

May 2, 2024

Mike Loder

New research shows the impact of alcohol on our gut microbiome.

Alcohol affects gut microbes, potentially leading to gut imbalance and heightened cravings.

Research suggests moderate drinkers have healthier gut microbiomes. While red wine consumption may enhance gut diversity, similar benefits can be found in plant-based and fermented foods. Dysbiosis may worsen addiction, highlighting the need for holistic approaches to treatment.