61 Killed in Iraq Shopping Mall Fire, Probe Launched into Safety Failures

At least 61 people have been confirmed dead after a massive fire engulfed a five-story shopping mall in the Iraqi city of Kut, Wasit Province, on Wednesday evening.

According to a statement by the Iraqi Interior Ministry on Thursday, most of the victims died from smoke inhalation while trapped in bathrooms. Fourteen of the deceased were burned beyond recognition, while 45 others were rescued by civil defense teams.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani has ordered a high-level investigation, directing Interior Minister Abdul Amir al-Shammari to form a committee to determine the cause of the tragedy.

The ministry confirmed that the committee has been tasked with uncovering the precise causes of the fire, identifying safety lapses, and assigning responsibility “accurately and transparently.”

Habib al-Badri, head of the Wasit security committee, told The New York Times that a suspected electrical fault triggered the fire. He noted that the disaster was made worse by poor construction, inadequate emergency exits, and limited firefighting resources.

“There was a lack of emergency exits and emergency ladders and extinguishers,” al-Badri said. “And unfortunately, the province was not prepared for such an incident.”

Wasit Governor Mohammed al-Miyahi has vowed accountability, stating, “We will not show leniency toward those who were directly or indirectly responsible for this incident, which is surrounded by suspicious circumstances.”

The fire has raised urgent concerns over building safety standards and emergency preparedness across Iraq.