Fire at Kut supermarket kills 61 as governor declares days of mourning

WASIT — A fire tore through a newly opened commercial building in central Kut late Wednesday, killing at least 61 people and injuring several others, Iraq’s Interior Ministry said. The Wasit governor has declared three days of official mourning.

The blaze erupted at a five-story structure housing a restaurant and hypermarket that had been open for just seven days. Most of the victims died of smoke inhalation, with many found in the building’s bathrooms, the ministry said. Fourteen of the bodies were severely burned and remain unidentified.

Wasit Gov. Mohammed Jamil Al-Mayahi on Thursday announced a mourning period and pledged accountability. “We assure the families of the innocent victims that we will not be lenient with anyone directly or indirectly responsible for this incident,” he said in a statement.

Legal proceedings have been initiated against the building’s owners, and an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire. Preliminary findings are expected within 48 hours, officials said.

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani ordered Interior Minister Abdul Amir Al-Shammari to visit the site and launch a full investigation into possible negligence. A specialized medical team was also dispatched to aid the wounded.

According to the Interior Ministry, civil defense crews rescued more than 45 people trapped inside the building. An investigative committee has been formed under the supervision of the minister’s technical advisor to determine the fire’s origin and assess any violations.

“We in the Interior Ministry extend our deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and affirm that no party found to be negligent or responsible will be spared from accountability,” the ministry said.