New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday conveyed its sincere condolences for the tragic fire in the eastern Iraqi city of AlKut, which has resulted in at least 61 fatalities and several injuries and disappearances.
India expressed its condolences to the Iraqi people and government via a tweet on the social media site formerly known as Twitter, according to MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.
We are deeply saddened by the horrific loss of innocent lives and the injuries caused by the catastrophic fire that occurred in the Iraqi city of AlKut on July 16, 2025. In this time of need, the people of India stand by the Iraqi people, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to the government and citizens of Iraq. We also pray for the families of the deceased and the speedy recovery of the injured.
The fire, according to Iraq's Interior Ministry, started late Wednesday night in a five-story business structure in Kut city, which is situated in Wasit Province. Al Jazeera stated that the structure, which had just opened a week prior, included a hypermarket, a restaurant, and other retail establishments.
In a statement released by the Interior Ministry on Thursday, it was said that civil defense teams rescued at least 45 individuals and retrieved 14 burnt corpses. Reuters quoted a local health official telling Al Jazeera that we have compiled a list of 59 victims whose identities have been confirmed, but one body was so severely burned that it has been extremely difficult to identify.
The fire, according to Wasit province Governor Mohammed alMayahi, started in the hypermarket as well as in a nearby restaurant. The complex was full of families eating and shopping when the fire started to spread rapidly, he claimed.
AlMayahi stated that we have experienced a tragedy and a disaster, but that firefighters were able to save a number of individuals before extinguishing the fire. Social media videos showed flames engulfing the skyscraper as emergency personnel raced to contain the blaze and save the people trapped inside.
According to the Iraqi News Agency (INA), as reported by Al Jazeera, lawsuits have been filed against the owner of the structure and the shopping center. The governor has mandated a thorough inquiry and promised that the results will be released to the public within 48 hours.
After the event, the authorities in Wasit province have proclaimed three days of mourning. The reason for the fire has not yet been formally established.
