Iraq Mall Blaze Claims 69 Lives; PM Calls for Investigation

• Initial report links fire’s cause to the perfumes and cosmetics section.
• Witness describes a scene where “everyone was desperately looking for a way out.”
• The Iraqi Prime Minister’s office has called for a national period of mourning.

A devastating fire at a hypermarket in al-Kut, southern Iraq, has resulted in at least 69 fatalities and left 11 others unaccounted for, according to the city’s health officials and police sources, as reported by Reuters on Thursday.

Videos covering the aftermath show the charred remains of the “Corniche Hypermarket,” with emergency responders and law enforcement still at the scene.

Further footage verified by Reuters depicts firefighters battling the blaze overnight and individuals being rescued from the roof.

“We have discovered more bodies that are still buried under the debris,” stated city official Ali al-Mayahi.

The cause of the fire is not yet confirmed, but preliminary police findings indicate that it began on the floor housing perfumes and cosmetics.

“The raging flames trapped many inside the shopping center, and everyone was frantically trying to escape,” recounted Ali Al-Zargani, a nearby resident who entered the mall after the fire was brought under control.

“I saw the charred remains of women and children on the ground—it was a horrifying sight.”

As some victims were prepared for burial, mourners gathered to grieve over the coffins. However, remains of over 15 heavily burned victims will require DNA testing for identification, a witness informed Reuters.

As rescue teams searched the smoke-blackened building for additional bodies, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani initiated an immediate investigation to “identify any shortcomings,” as stated by his office.

The Prime Minister’s office issued a statement calling for national mourning.

According to the provincial governor, initial findings from the investigation are expected to be released within 48 hours, as reported by state news agency INA.

“We have initiated legal action against the owner of the building and the shopping mall,” the governor stated, as quoted by INA.

The absence of safety measures in Iraq has resulted in high casualty rates during fires. In 2023, a fire in a crowded wedding hall in the north claimed over 100 lives.