At least 61 individuals lost their lives in a fire at a newly opened mall

At least 61 individuals lost their lives in a fire at a newly opened mall in Wasit province, eastern Iraq, officials reported on Thursday.

A statement from Iraq's Interior Ministry indicated that the majority of the victims died from smoke inhalation in the building's bathrooms, with at least 14 bodies found severely burned and unidentifiable. Emergency responders successfully rescued more than 45 people who were trapped inside the structure, according to the ministry.

The incident has deeply impacted the nation, as stated by the ministry.

Washington post