At Least 61 Dead After Fire Destroys Shopping Mall in Eastern Iraq

Massive Blaze Hits Kut Hypermarket Just One Week After Opening

A large fire broke out at a newly opened shopping mall in the eastern Iraqi city of Kut on Wednesday, killing at least 61 people, including women and children. Many others were injured or remain missing as rescue teams continue searching the scene.

The fire began inside the five-story Al-Kornish Hypermarket, only seven days after it opened to the public. Iraq’s Interior Ministry said most victims died from suffocation due to thick smoke. Fourteen bodies were still not identified as of Thursday morning.

“This tragic fire has taken the lives of 61 innocent people,” the ministry said. “Many were trapped in bathrooms and couldn’t escape the smoke.”

Rescue Efforts and Shocking Footage

Civil Defense teams managed to save more than 45 people from the burning building. Emergency workers were praised for their bravery in facing the heat and smoke.

Videos posted online showed flames spreading quickly through the mall. Firefighters battled the fire while terrified shoppers tried to escape from upper floors. Some people were pulled through small windows to safety.

Officials confirmed the mall contained a large supermarket and a restaurant.

Prime Minister Orders Investigation

In response to the disaster, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani sent a medical team to Kut and called for an urgent investigation. He assigned Interior Minister Abdul Amir Al-Shammari to lead the inquiry and promised that anyone found responsible would be held accountable.

“If someone is to blame for this, they will face legal consequences,” said Al-Shammari.

Authorities have already filed a case against the mall’s owner.

The Governor of Wasit, Mohammed Jameel Al-Mayahi, declared three days of mourning in the region and said early results from the investigation would be released within 48 hours.

Fires Like This Are Not New in Iraq

Deadly fires have become a serious and repeated problem in Iraq. Experts say the country suffers from poor building safety rules, weak enforcement, and outdated electrical systems.

• In April 2021, over 80 people died when a fire hit a COVID-19 ward at Ibn al-Khatib Hospital in Baghdad, caused by exploding oxygen tanks.

• In September 2023, at least 100 people were killed and more than 150 injured in a wedding hall fire in Qaraqosh, northern Iraq.

The Kut mall fire is another tragic reminder of the need for stronger fire safety laws and proper inspections. Many Iraqis are demanding action to prevent more disasters like this.

This story is developing and will be updated as new details emerge.