Baghdad: At least 60 people were killed in a devastating fire that engulfed the newly opened Hyper Mall in Kut, eastern Iraq, late Wednesday night. The fire is believed to have started on the first floor, possibly due to an air conditioner explosion, and rapidly spread through the five-storey building.

The Iraqi interior ministry said most victims died of suffocation in bathrooms, and 14 charred bodies remain unidentified. Civil defence teams rescued more than 45 people trapped inside. Medical sources reported many unrecognisable bodies and overwhelmed hospital wards.

Local governor Mohammed al-Miyahi confirmed that men, women, and children were among the victims. He declared three days of mourning and vowed legal action against the mall owner and contractor, citing serious safety lapses.

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has ordered a full investigation into the tragedy. Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani also extended condolences to affected families.

Grieving relatives were seen collapsing outside hospitals, searching for loved ones. One survivor, Nasir al-Quraishi, a doctor, said five of his family members perished: “An air conditioner exploded... and we couldn't escape.”

The tragedy comes amid growing concerns about neglected safety regulations in Iraq’s public buildings. The country has witnessed similar disasters before — including the 2023 wedding hall fire that killed 100 and the 2021 Covid ward blaze that left 60 dead.

Authorities are continuing rescue operations and have vowed to hold those responsible to account.
(With AP inputs)