Over 60 Killed In Iraq Shopping Center Fire After Air Conditioner Reportedly Explodes

This is a developing story.

At least 61 people have been killed in a fire at a shopping mall in Iraq's Wasit province.

An inferno broke out at the Corniche Hypermarket Mall in Kut, which only recently opened, as many people shopped on Wednesday evening local time.

Unconfirmed reports suggest the blaze may have started after an air conditioning unit exploded.

“The tragic fire claimed the lives of 61 innocent citizens, most of whom suffocated in bathrooms, and among them 14 charred bodies yet to be identified,” Iraq’s Interior Ministry said in a statement.

Videos circulating on social media showed the building engulfed in flames as firefighters tried to tackle the inferno.

Further footage and images from Thursday morning show the fire now under control, with the building destroyed in the blaze.

The five-story hypermarket opened just five days ago, with a restaurant and a supermarket inside.

Nasir al-Quraishi told AFP news agency that he was eating dinner with his family when the blaze broke out.

The doctor, who is in his fifties, said he had lost five family members.

"A disaster has befallen us," he said. "We went to the mall to have some food, eat dinner and escape power cuts at home.

"An air conditioner exploded on the second floor and then the fire erupted and we couldn't escape it."

Local media reports that many are still missing and the victims include women and children.

An investigation will be launched into the cause of the fire, and the preliminary findings are expected to be released in the next 48 hours.

Regional governor Mohammed al-Miyahi said legal action would be taken against the owner of the mall, according to the BBC, though he did not detail any specific charges.

"A tragedy and a calamity has befallen us," he said.

"The tragedy is a major shock," al-Miyahi added, as he said a "serious review of all safety measures" would be conducted.

“We assure the families of the innocent victims that we will not be lenient with those who were directly or indirectly responsible for this incident,” al-Mayyeh said, according to AP.

Prime Minister Mohammad Shia al-Sudani ordered the interior ministry to attend the scene and investigate the cause.

"The Prime Minister, Mr. Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, directed the Minister of Interior to be present at the scene of the tragic fire incident in the city of Kut, to conduct an immediate investigation into the causes and surrounding circumstances, and to carry out a precise technical investigation to uncover any shortcomings, while taking all necessary strict measures to prevent the recurrence of such incidents," a statement from his office read.

"In the context of His Excellency’s ongoing follow-up on the repercussions of this tragic incident, he directed the dispatch of a medical team with full capabilities to support the efforts to aid and treat the injured.

"The Prime Minister expressed his deep condolences to the families of the victims and his heartfelt solidarity with them, praying to Almighty God to grant them patience and solace."

Minister of Defense Thabit Mohammed Saeed Al-Abbasi also sent his condolences to the victims' families on X.

"In my name and on behalf of all members of the Ministry of Defense, we extend our deepest condolences and sincere sympathies to the families of the victims of the tragic fire incident that occurred yesterday, Wednesday, 16 July 2025, in Wasit Governorate," a statement read.

"We ask Almighty God to envelop the victims in His vast mercy, grant their families patience and solace, and bestow swift recovery upon the injured."

Three days of national mourning have been declared.