Horror Unfolds in Iraq: Fire Engulfs New Mall, Killing 61 and Leaving Dozens Missing

In a heartbreaking turn of events, a massive fire tore through the newly opened Corniche Hypermarket Mall in Kut, eastern Iraq, leaving at least 61 people dead and 11 still missing. The tragedy struck just five days after the five-story building—home to a bustling supermarket and restaurant—opened its doors to the public.

According to Iraq’s Interior Ministry, 14 of the bodies recovered were burned beyond recognition, while most victims died from suffocation—many trapped in restrooms with no way out. In one devastating account, a witness revealed he lost five relatives who became stuck inside an elevator as smoke and flames consumed the building.

The fire reportedly started on the first floor and rapidly engulfed the entire structure. Preliminary investigations point to an air conditioner explosion as the likely cause, though officials are still working to determine the exact source.

Civil defense teams managed to pull more than 45 survivors from the blaze, but the scale of the tragedy is among the worst Iraq has seen in years.

Dr. Nasir al-Quraishi, who lost five family members, recounted how they had gone to the mall simply to escape ongoing power outages. “The fire started so fast—after the AC exploded on the second floor—we had no chance to get out,” he said.

Governor Miyahi has declared three days of mourning and vowed legal action against the mall’s owner and contractor, calling for a nationwide review of building safety codes. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has ordered a full investigation, urging immediate reforms to prevent further catastrophes.

This disaster adds to a growing list of fire-related tragedies in Iraq, including a deadly 2021 hospital fire and a 2023 wedding hall blaze, both of which claimed over 60 lives each—fueled by poor safety enforcement and outdated infrastructure.