Tragic Villaggio fire incident still fresh in Qatar residents' minds
It has been four years since the tragic Villaggio mall fire incident shook the nation, but the disaster is still fresh in the minds of some residents.
Locals and the expatriates who were in Qatar during and since the incident will recall the impact of the tragedy. It will go down as one of the saddest days in the history of Qatar.
Four years ago today #VillaggioFire https://t.co/rhyZpRmSku
— Kamahl Santamaria (@KamahlAJE) May 28, 2016
I get a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach whenever I think of the #villagiofire thinking of the parents and friends who lost loved ones.
— sandygo (@sandra_alkhori) November 1, 2015
The entire nation mourned the death of 19 people the next day and offered condolences to their friends and families.
ASD high school and middle school make a big heart for the people who died in the villagio fire @dohanews pic.twitter.com/9JaoBZDf
— عبدالله الدرويش (@abdulladarwish1) May 31, 2012
#VillagioFire #VillaggioFire #Qatar #Doha #OneCommunityDoha #حريق_فيلاجيو ... WE ALL LOVE YOU.. #RIP our lovely #Kids ♥ pic.twitter.com/XB9AHteC
— Azmi Jr.™ (@azmiodeh) May 30, 2012
The fire had started near the Gympanzee child care centre, trapping children and their teachers. Rescue workers had to go through the roof, but 13 children were dead by the time help arrived, mostly from smoke inhalation.
The children were from Spain, Japan, South Africa, China, the Philippines and New Zealand. Two firefighters were also killed in the rescue attempt, and a number of others were injured.
Four years after the incident, a Doha court ruled that the individuals held responsible for this tragedy will not serve prison sentences. Instead, they will jointly pay QR200,000 in blood money to the relatives of each of the deceased.
Were you in Qatar during the Villaggio fire incident? What was your reaction? Share in the comments below.
One could see an electrician smoking ................
Kevin: You are right .. smoking should be banned in all public places ... However, I'm not sure but was this fire caused by short circuit or electrical fault ?
Just stop smoking inside malls!
Have courage everybody, we come at a certain point where we become helpless at the Almighty's will, even though how tough it may be, we need to bow over head.
Mufti: MM is busy logged on as one of his other selves at present..
When he comes back, he will tell you that blame gets us nowehere.... Mistakes happen and we should just learn to forgive and move on ..
MM- it is not about blaming, it is about justice for victims.
There are many things which are not in human control , we need to understand it ............. look at the whole pic ........ incidents do happen even if you take utmost care .......... by blaming we would not reach anywhere .......... all we have to do is to take care .................
I don't go there anymore since four years!
THIS ACCIDENT ALWAYS CAME TO MY MIND WHEN EVER I VISITED THE VILLAGIO MALL.....
I remember reading about the tragedy .... Tragic loss of life
Brit, and also remember that the co-owner of Gympanzee, the Qatari ambassador to Belgium, is very happy now and got an additional position with NATO.
condolences to the families of the people who died in this incident.
A lot of people still remembers but most just dont really care. I see a lot of people smoking outside and even inside malls up to this day.
In landmark for example, everytime i go there, i see guys smoking in starbucks and some other coffee shops. They don't even care that there are kids playing around them.
WT: Sadly, most have already forgotten.. :O(
A shame for Qatar forever. We will never forget that!
Also remember the interviews with the parents of the triplets
And the feeling of some that justice wasn't done ..
However with all such incidents - they are soon forgotten and life moves on - except for the victims' familes
May the deceased rest in peace
Remember it vividly..
Recall the posts from Timebandit..
Remember the disbelief and outrage.
Remember the heated discussins on QL
Remember the coming together of a diverse community.