A Catastrophic Blaze in Kut

In a horrifying incident that has left the nation in shock, at least 61 people have perished in a massive fire at a hypermarket in Kut city, eastern Iraq. The current death toll could rise as many are still reported missing, prompting urgent investigations.

The Horrific Scene Unfolds

The inferno erupted at a mall that had only opened a week prior, consuming a five-storey building in flames. Eyewitness videos circulating on social media depict firefighters battling the intense blaze as they attempt to rescue those trapped inside.

Quick Response and Ongoing Search

According to Iraq's Interior Ministry, 14 charred bodies were discovered in the aftermath, while brave civil defense teams managed to rescue 45 individuals from the engulfing flames. Reports indicate the fire broke out as families dined and shopped in the facility.

Government Response and Accountability

In light of this tragedy, Prime Minister Mohammad Shia al-Sudani has ordered an immediate investigation into the incident. The governor of Wasit province, Mohammed al-Mayahi, has expressed his condolences, declaring, "A tragedy and a calamity have befallen us," while also revealing that lawsuits have been filed against the mall's owner and management.

Mourning and Investigations Initiated

Three days of mourning have been declared across the province, with an investigation set to unveil its findings within 48 hours.

A Pattern of Negligence?

This devastating event is not an isolated one; a history of poor building standards has plagued Iraq. In 2021, a lethal hospital fire in Nasiriyah claimed over 60 lives, attributed to illegal, highly flammable building materials. Just this year, a wedding hall fire in Nineveh resulted in over 100 deaths after pyrotechnics ignited the ceiling, showcasing chronic safety deficiencies.