MI HR0148

A fire erupted on September 26, 2023, at a wedding banquet hall in Qaraqosh/Bakhdida, Iraq, killing at least 107 attendees and injuring 82 others, with survivors suffering severe burns requiring specialized care.

The venue was constructed of highly flammable materials, lacked emergency exits, and exceeded capacity, creating dangerous conditions that contributed to the tragedy.

Local medical facilities in Qaraqosh/Bakhdida are inadequately equipped to treat the survivors and have begun transferring patients to burn facilities in other countries due to overwhelming demand.

Michigan has the largest Assyrian-Chaldean-Syriac diaspora population in the nation, establishing a vested interest in supporting the predominantly Assyrian-Chaldean-Syriac community of Qaraqosh/Bakhdida.

The resolution urges Congress to appropriate funds for medical aid and assistance to Qaraqosh/Bakhdida and directs copies be sent to the President, Senate President, House Speaker, and Michigan's congressional delegation.