A fire broke out at the Misrata Courthouse on Wednesday, injuring at least 16 people, according to Libyan medical sources. The blaze, which erupted near the Office of the Deputy Attorney General, led to an emergency response from local authorities and medical teams.
Hamid Bin Gharbia, the media director at Misrata Medical Centre, confirmed that most of the injured received treatment in the emergency department, while two critical cases were transferred to the intensive care unit. Among the injured were courthouse employees, security personnel, civilians, and firefighters.
The Misrata Medical Centre declared a state of emergency to handle potential additional cases. According to Bin Gharbia, the condition of most victims remains stable.
Municipal media official Ibtisam Nafi confirmed that firefighting teams successfully brought the blaze under control. Preliminary investigations suggest an electrical fault as the cause, according to Misrata Security Director Major General Ali Mohammed Al-Darrat. He stated that authorities are reviewing surveillance footage to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the incident.
Al-Darrat reassured the public that investigations are proceeding according to legal procedures to establish the full details of the fire.
This incident comes years after a deadly attack on the same courthouse. In October 2017, a terrorist bombing targeted the building during a trial for ISIS members, resulting in numerous casualties and extensive damage. In August 2023, a Misrata court sentenced four individuals to death for their involvement in that attack.
The latest fire raises concerns over courthouse security and infrastructure conditions in Libya, prompting calls for a thorough review of public building safety measures.
