Iraq: Death toll from COVID-19 isolation ward fire climbs to 77

The death toll from a catastrophic hospital blaze in the city of Nasiriyah in southern Iraq's Dhi Qar province rose to 77, Report informs, citing TASS.

Two health officials said that more than 100 people were also injured in the fire that torched the coronavirus ward of al-Hussein Teaching Hospital.

Earlier, officials said the fire was caused by an electric short circuit but did not provide more details. Another official said the blaze erupted when an oxygen cylinder exploded.

The province's health minister, Saddam al-Tawil, has resigned over the incident.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi has ordered a state of mourning and a special commission to investigate the fire.