Iraqi Governor Resigns Following Shopping Mall Fire That Claimed Over 60 Lives
Provincial governor steps down in wake of deadly blaze, as public demands accountability and safety reforms.
BAGHDAD - The governor of an Iraqi province where a fire in a shopping mall killed more than 60 people has resigned.
The incident occurred last Wednesday at a newly opened shopping center in the town of Kut in Wasit province.
While an official investigation is ongoing, concerns have been raised about the lack of safety measures that may have exacerbated the tragedy.
Provincial Gov. Mohammed Al-Miyahi cited his resignation as a gesture to honor the victims and address their families' demands for accountability.
The provincial council subsequently elected Hadi Majid Kazzar as the new governor.
This move comes in response to widespread public anger over the fire, with families of the victims calling for the governor's dismissal and holding others responsible for negligence accountable.
They have also accused the government of administrative corruption and weak oversight.
Iraqi parliament speaker Mahmoud Al-Mashhadani had previously called on Prime Minister Mohammad Shia Al-Sudani to dismiss Governor Al-Miyahi, following a Cabinet decision to refer him for investigation.
Al-Miyahi has acknowledged that the building owner failed to implement necessary fire safety measures and did not obtain required permits.
Legal action was taken against both the building and shopping center owners.
Poor building standards have contributed to numerous tragic fires in Iraq.
For instance, in July 2021, a hospital fire in Nasiriyah resulted in between 60 to 92 fatalities due to flammable cladding, which is banned in Iraq.
Similarly, over 100 lives were lost in a wedding hall fire in Nineveh province's predominantly Christian Hamdaniya area in 2023 when ceiling panels ignited near a pyrotechnic machine.
The incident occurred last Wednesday at a newly opened shopping center in the town of Kut in Wasit province.
While an official investigation is ongoing, concerns have been raised about the lack of safety measures that may have exacerbated the tragedy.
Provincial Gov. Mohammed Al-Miyahi cited his resignation as a gesture to honor the victims and address their families' demands for accountability.
The provincial council subsequently elected Hadi Majid Kazzar as the new governor.
This move comes in response to widespread public anger over the fire, with families of the victims calling for the governor's dismissal and holding others responsible for negligence accountable.
They have also accused the government of administrative corruption and weak oversight.
Iraqi parliament speaker Mahmoud Al-Mashhadani had previously called on Prime Minister Mohammad Shia Al-Sudani to dismiss Governor Al-Miyahi, following a Cabinet decision to refer him for investigation.
Al-Miyahi has acknowledged that the building owner failed to implement necessary fire safety measures and did not obtain required permits.
Legal action was taken against both the building and shopping center owners.
Poor building standards have contributed to numerous tragic fires in Iraq.
For instance, in July 2021, a hospital fire in Nasiriyah resulted in between 60 to 92 fatalities due to flammable cladding, which is banned in Iraq.
Similarly, over 100 lives were lost in a wedding hall fire in Nineveh province's predominantly Christian Hamdaniya area in 2023 when ceiling panels ignited near a pyrotechnic machine.
