July 13, 2021: At least 54 people were killed on Tuesday when a fire broke out at COVID-19 Imam Al-Hussein Hospital in southern Iraq.

"The number of casualties from the fire at the Hospital in Nasiriyah has reached 54," the health department said in a statement.

As per reports, the fire was caused by an oxygen tank explosion. The firemen have localized the conflagration; however, some coronavirus patients remain trapped in the hospital building.

The Interior Ministry said in a statement that "civil defence teams are battling a fire accident in the centre of Dhi Qar governorate inside Imam Al-Hussein Hospital."

More details are awaited. (ANI)