Baghdad – The Kut Hypermarket fire has triggered massive protests across Wasit governorate. Outraged demonstrators shut down the governorate headquarters late Friday night.
Crowds also stormed local council offices. Protesters demanded resignations from top officials. They called for full accountability for the deadly incident.
The fire tore through the Corniche Hypermarket on July 16. At least 61 people lost their lives in the blaze. Most victims died from smoke inhalation, many trapped inside bathrooms.
Angry citizens marched through downtown Kut before reaching the main government building. Protesters shouted slogans and slammed portraits of local leaders.
They blamed the fire on corruption and negligence. “This disaster is on their hands,” one protester said. “The response was too slow. The army didn’t act. Where were the helicopters?”
The building had only opened one week earlier. Despite several safety violations, it received official permits. Protesters now accuse city leaders of ignoring the risks.
Amer Al-Badri, a grieving relative, said his nephew is still missing. “He just got accepted to college,” he said. “Now we wait for DNA results.”
Another demonstrator, Rasool Abu Ragheef, voiced his frustration. “Leaders completely failed us,” he said. “The prime minister arrived, and the fire still raged.”
Ali Al-Yasiri, a resident of Kut, lost two of his friends in the fire. “Civil defense let us down. Police did nothing. Families feel lost,” he said.
Meanwhile, authorities responded with disciplinary measures. The Interior Ministry suspended 17 employees on Saturday. Investigators also detained three senior officers for questioning.Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani ordered an official investigation. A special committee has already found signs of “clear negligence” across several agencies.
The committee must report its findings to the Council of Ministers within five days. Investigations continue as more evidence comes to light.
The Kut Hypermarket fire has not only claimed lives but also exposed deep cracks in governance. Citizens now demand answers. Many believe this moment could reshape accountability in Iraq.
While officials begin damage control, public anger continues to grow. The people of Kut are no longer willing to stay silent.
The Kut Hypermarket fire may mark a turning point in how disasters are handled in Iraq.
