A massive blaze swept through a major shopping complex in the eastern Iraqi city of Kut on Wednesday, leaving scores dead and causing widespread devastation in the community.

According to the Iraqi Ministry of Interior, at least 61 people, including men, women, and children, lost their lives in the fire that engulfed the five-story Al-Kornish Hypermarket. Dozens more were rescued from the burning building, the ministry confirmed in a statement released Thursday morning.

“This tragic incident claimed the lives of 61 innocent individuals, many of whom succumbed to smoke inhalation while trapped in the restrooms,” the ministry stated. “It is a national tragedy that has deeply affected our country.” It also reported that the remains of 14 victims had yet to be identified.

Footage verified from the scene showed the structure consumed by flames, with a group of people stranded on the roof as emergency crews fought to contain the fire.

In other video clips shared by local officials, rescuers were seen helping individuals escape through small windows, demonstrating the intensity of the situation.

“Despite the enormity of the disaster, Civil Defense responders displayed bravery and commitment, successfully rescuing over 45 people trapped inside the facility,” the ministry added.

The building, which included a hypermarket and a dining establishment, had only recently opened to the public a week before the fire took place, officials said.

In response to the incident, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani ordered that a well-equipped medical team be dispatched to assist rescue and relief efforts. He also directed the Interior Minister to promptly initiate a full investigation into the fire’s cause, according to a statement from his office.

Al-Sudani offered his sincere condolences to the bereaved families and expressed hopes that they might find peace during this difficult time, the statement said.

Interior Minister Abdul Amir Al-Shammari announced the formation of a high-level inquiry to determine accountability and uncover any procedural or safety failures. He pledged that all those responsible would face legal consequences.

The governor of Wasit province, Mohammed Jameel Al-Mayahi, declared three days of mourning to honor the victims. In a public statement, he added that early results from the initial investigation would be disclosed within 48 hours. He also confirmed that legal proceedings had been initiated against the property owner.

Fires of this nature are a recurring issue in Iraq, often linked to lax safety enforcement, inadequate fire protection systems, and electrical hazards.

In April 2021, a fire caused by exploding oxygen tanks at Baghdad’s Ibn al-Khatib Hospital resulted in the deaths of over 80 COVID-19 patients. Another tragic incident occurred in September 2023, when a fire broke out during a wedding in Qaraqosh, northern Iraq, killing at least 100 people and injuring 150 more.

This is an ongoing situation, and further updates will follow.