23-07-2025
Wasit governor resigns after deadly mall fire
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ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The governor of Iraq's eastern Wasit province on Wednesday announced his resignation over a deadly mall fire in the provincial capital of Kut last week that left nearly 80 dead.
'In honor of the blood of the martyrs, as they need a position that heals part of their painful wounds, and in loyalty to them and to the people of this province that I served … I announce the submission of my resignation to the Wasit Provincial Council,' Mohammed Jamil al-Mayahi said in a statement.
Mayahi added that the council accepted his resignation.
On Tuesday, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani approved the results of the investigative committee into the tragedy, which included probing Mayahi and members of the province's civil defense 'to uncover responsibility and determine the causes of negligence.'
A massive fire broke out at a newly opened shopping mall in Kut last week, killing at least 77 people. Most victims died from smoke inhalation, and the incident sparked public outrage over the lack of emergency exits and lax safety standards.
Authorities later arrested dozens of local officials in Kut's civil defense and municipality, including the civil defense director, citing 'negligence and violations attributed to them.'
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani vowed on Thursday to 'not show lenience with any negligent party' after ordering an investigation into the tragedy.
The government agreed to provide 10 million dinars (around $7,600) in compensation for the family of each victim. The health ministry was also instructed to cover medical treatment for the injured, both inside and outside the country.
