ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The death toll from a devastating fire that tore through a shopping mall in eastern Iraq has risen to 61, according to local authorities, with state media reporting that dozens of people remain missing. The tragic incident has sparked widespread reactions from both Iraqi and Kurdish leaders. "With profound grief and sorrow, we have followed the painful tragedy that resulted from the horrific fire in a commercial center in the city of Kut,” Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani said in a post on X, expressing condolences and wishing for a swift recovery of the wounded. The state-run Iraqi News Agency (INA) reported on Thursday that a blaze swept through the Hypermarket Mall in al-Kut, the provincial capital of Wasit, leaving dozens dead and missing. Iraq's supreme Shiite religious authority, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, on Thursday extended “deepest condolences and sincere sympathy” to the families of the victims who are “grieving the loss of their loved ones,” while also wishing for a swift recovery for the injured. Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid conveyed "great sorrow" over the incident and expressed "profound condolences and sympathy to the victims' families.” Pointing to “the recurrence of such unfortunate incidents” in Iraq, Rashid urged “an immediate investigation into the incident, to understand its circumstances, and to hold the negligent accountable." The Iraqi president underlined the importance of addressing broader safety issues, calling on the relevant authorities to "follow up on occupational safety procedures and enforce compliance.” In a post on his official Facebook page, Wasit Governor Muhammad Jamil al-Miahi declared “three days of mourning for the souls lost” and added that lawsuits have been filed against the mall and building owners, as well as “everyone involved.” “We assure the innocent victims that we will not tolerate those who were a direct or indirect cause of this incident,” Miahi added, promising preliminary results from the investigation within 48 hours. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani on the same day dispatched the interior minister to the scene to launch an “on-the-ground” and “immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding” the deadly shopping mall fire in Kut. Sudani demanded "a precise technical inquiry to uncover any negligence and to take all necessary and strict measures to prevent the recurrence of such incidents." In response, the Interior Minister Abdul Amir al-Shammari formed a high-level committee to "identify shortcomings with precision and transparency," pledging that the ministry "will not be lenient" in holding those responsible accountable. In a statement, the interior ministry also stated that the number of fatalities from the devastating blaze had reached 61 victims, who mostly died from suffocation. Fourteen charred bodies were also uncovered, and 45 people were rescued. Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani also expressed his condolences to the victims of the fire, saying he was “deeply saddened” by the tragedy, adding that the Region’s health ministry and institutions “are ready to treat the injured and provide any necessary assistance.” Sulaimani Governor Haval Abubakir also offered condolences on behalf of the province, expressing “sympathy for the tragedy” and wishing a swift recovery for those injured. Esmaeil Baqaei, spokesperson for the Iranian foreign ministry, offered his country's "heartfelt condolences" to the families of the victims. Fires are a recurring threat in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, where enforcement of fire and safety regulations is often inadequate. The risk increases significantly during the summer months, when extreme heat exacerbates the potential for electrical faults and other fire hazards. Contributing factors include aging infrastructure, overcrowded public spaces, poor electrical systems, and a widespread lack of basic fire safety measures.
