The United Arab Emirates has extended its heartfelt condolences and solidarity to the Republic of Iraq over the tragedy caused by a fire that broke out in a shopping center in al-Kut city, resulting in numerous fatalities and injuries.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs conveyed its sincere sympathy to the families of the victims, the Iraqi government, and the Iraqi people during this difficult time, wishing a speedy recovery to those injured.
According to health authorities in al-Kut and two police sources, a massive fire erupted in the city’s shopping center, claiming the lives of at least 69 individuals and leaving 11 others missing.
Footage from the aftermath of the blaze, which occurred at night, showed the charred exterior of the Corniche Hypermarket while rescue teams and security forces remained on the scene. Video clips captured firefighters spraying water on the burning structure during the night, along with individuals being assisted from the rooftop by rescuers.
Officials stated that many victims succumbed to smoke inhalation in the bathrooms, while one individual reported that five of their relatives were trapped in an elevator. Reports indicated that the fire started on the first floor before rapidly spreading throughout the five-story Corniche Hypermarket.
Several witnesses mentioned that families, including mothers and children, had visited the center for shopping and dining shortly after its recent opening. Social media footage showed individuals, including children, standing on the roof pleading for help.
Ali al-Miyahi, a local official from the al-Kut municipality, remarked that there are still bodies yet to be recovered from the debris of the fire. The cause of the blaze is currently unknown, but the official Iraqi News Agency reported that the Governor of Wasit, Muhammad Jamil al-Miyahi, stated that relevant authorities are continuing to investigate the origin of the fire, with preliminary results expected to be made public within 48 hours. He added that local authorities have initiated legal action against the owner of the building and the mall in response to the incident.
In a related context, Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid and Prime Minister Muhammad Shia’ al-Sudani emphasized the importance of investigating the cause of the fire. During a meeting between the two leaders, they expressed their condolences to the families affected by the tragic incident in al-Kut, asserting their commitment to providing full assistance and thoroughly investigating the painful occurrence while taking necessary actions.