Qut, July 17 (V7N) – A catastrophic fire at a newly opened shopping mall in the eastern city of Qut has claimed the lives of at least 60 people, with many others still reported missing. The Iraqi government has declared three days of national mourning following the tragedy.

The fire broke out on Thursday (July 17) in the Wasit province, where the mall is located. Officials confirmed the identities of 59 victims, while the remains of one victim were so badly burned that a DNA test will be required for identification, according to the Governor of Wasit.

A video circulating on social media shows the five-story building engulfed in flames, with firefighters working urgently to control the blaze.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the fire originated on the mall’s first floor, though the exact cause remains unknown. The governor promised that initial findings would be made public within 48 hours.

A legal case has been filed against the mall’s owner and management in connection with the incident.

Tragically, the fire occurred just five days after the mall’s grand opening, amplifying the shock and grief felt across the nation.

END/RH/AJ