The governor of Wasit province in Iraq, Mohammed al-Miyahi, resigned on Wednesday following a catastrophic fire in a shopping mall that resulted in the deaths of more than 60 people. The incident occurred on July 12, 2023, at a newly opened mall in the town of Kut. While investigations are ongoing, local officials and residents have pointed to inadequate safety measures as a significant factor exacerbating the tragedy.
In his resignation statement, al-Miyahi expressed his decision was “in honor of the blood of the martyrs,” emphasizing the need for a gesture to alleviate the suffering of victims’ families. He highlighted a commitment to the people of Wasit province during this challenging time. Following his resignation, the provincial council elected Hadi Majid Kazzar as the new governor.
Public outrage has surged in the aftermath of the fire, with victims’ families demanding accountability. They condemned al-Miyahi’s leadership and called for action against those deemed responsible for negligence. The incident has underscored long-standing issues of administrative corruption and ineffective oversight within local governance.
Mahmoud al-Mashhadani, the Speaker of the Iraqi Parliament, had previously submitted a formal request to Prime Minister Mohammad Shia al-Sudani, urging the dismissal of al-Miyahi. The Cabinet convened on July 18, 2023, and decided to refer the former governor to an investigation.
Al-Miyahi stated that the owner of the shopping mall failed to implement essential fire safety measures and had not applied for the necessary permits. Legal complaints have since been filed against both the mall’s owner and the shopping center management.
The history of poor building standards in Iraq has been linked to several tragic incidents in recent years. For instance, a fire at a hospital in Nasiriyah in July 2021 claimed the lives of between 60 to 92 people, fueled by the use of illegal, highly flammable cladding materials. Additionally, in 2023, a devastating fire at a wedding hall in Hamdaniya resulted in over 100 deaths when ceiling panels ignited above a pyrotechnic machine.
This latest tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the pressing need for improved safety regulations and enforcement in public buildings across Iraq. As investigations continue, the focus remains on ensuring accountability and preventing future disasters.