Collapse at Dhi Qar grain silo prompts investigation by trade ministry

DHI QAR — A metal grain storage unit at the Shatrah silo in Dhi Qar collapsed this week, prompting Iraq’s Ministry of Trade to launch an immediate investigation into the cause and potential financial losses.

Video footage posted by MP Amir al-Maamouri showed the moment the silo gave way, sending dust and debris into the air. Al-Maamouri said the structure had already suffered three previous structural failures — known as “bin explosions” — since it was received by the ministry in 2022. He questioned whether the silo had been overfilled and warned of possible further collapses, estimating the financial loss could run into the billions of dinars.

In response, Trade Minister Atheer Dawood al-Ghurairi ordered the formation of an investigative committee led by the deputy minister for economic affairs and including the director general of the Commercial and Financial Oversight Department.

“The committee began its work immediately to collect data and investigate the facts,” the ministry said in a statement. “It will submit a detailed report to the minister within 72 hours.”

The ministry claimed the investigation reflects a commitment to transparency and accountability, and aims to determine whether any violations contributed to the collapse.