Deadly blaze sweeps through Iraqi mall, leaving 60+ victims
Tragic Blaze Engulfs Newly Opened Mall in Kut
On Thursday, a sudden fire erupted overnight inside the five‑storey Corniche Hypermarket Mall in the eastern Iraqi city of Kut, claiming the lives of at least 61 people. Families, still hoping for the missing, lingered outside the shattered premises.
Flames Devastate the Shopping Complex
- The blaze began on the building’s first floor before rapidly spreading to every level.
- Witnesses reported many victims suffocating in bathrooms; one survivor recounted how five relatives perished inside an elevator.
- Early speculation links the fire to an exploding air conditioner located on the second floor.
Mournful Families Search for Missing Relatives
Ali Kadhim, 51, shuttles between the mall and the main hospital seeking his cousin, who is believed missing along with his wife and three children. While rescue teams scour the wreckage, ambulance crews remain on standby.
Prisoners Rescue Teams Undergo a Night‑Long Scramble
- More than 45 individuals were rescued from the mall’s restaurant and supermarket, according to the interior ministry.
- Ambulances ferried casualties until 4:00 am, with Kut’s wards overwhelmed by the surge.
- At the forensic department, grieving relatives waited in silence—some collapsing in tears, one man pounding his chest.
Injuries Mount as Rescue Efforts Continue
A medical source tipped the injury count at 40, while the death toll was reported at 63. The governor of Wasit province, Mohammed al‑Miyahi, confirmed that victims included men, women, and children.
Safety Constraints Leave the Mall Vulnerable
- Moataz Karim, 45, lamented the absence of a fire extinguisher system as he rushed toward the midnight mall.
- Authorities revealed that Iraq’s construction sector routinely overlooks safety standards, compounding the risk of fatal incidents.
- During the blistering summer, temperatures climb to 50 °C (122 °F), escalating the chances of devastating fires.
Governors Declare Mourning and Demand Accountability
- Governor Miyahi declared three days of mourning in Wasit province.
- Local officials vowed to file a lawsuit against the mall owner and the building contractor.
- Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al‑Sudani ordered a “thorough probe” into the fire, calling for a serious review of all safety measures to prevent future tragedies.
Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani Expresses Condolences
The highest Shiite authority offered heartfelt condolences to the families, underscoring the collective grief that ripples across the nation.
