This tragic event has left the city mourning, with many still unaccounted for and investigations underway.
**Tragic Fire in Iraqi Mall Claims Over 60 Lives**
**Tragic Fire in Iraqi Mall Claims Over 60 Lives**
A devastating inferno engulfs a new shopping center in Kut, sparking horror and calls for accountability.
In a heart-wrenching incident in the eastern Iraqi city of Kut, a fire broke out at a newly opened five-storey shopping mall, claiming at least 61 lives and leaving many others missing. The catastrophic blaze struck on Wednesday night, just a week after the Corniche Hypermarket opened its doors. Local officials reported that the fire has since been brought under control, but efforts to locate those still unaccounted for continue.
Footage shared on social media captured the chaos as firefighters attempted to rescue individuals trapped on the roof while state media disclosed that numerous victims remained unlocated. Regional governor, Mohammed al-Miyahi, expressed the community’s grief, labeling the event as a “tragedy and a calamity,” and confirmed that legal actions will be initiated against the mall's owner. In a show of respect, the governor has declared three days of mourning for the victims.
While video clips depicted flames engulfing several levels of the shopping center, rescuers were seen working to pull people from the debris. However, the gravity of the situation was underscored by reports from the interior ministry which stated that many victims had suffocated, with some of the bodies yet to be identified. Ambulances remained active into the early hours, transporting the injured to local hospitals.
Among the survivors, personal stories emerged of heartbreak and loss. Nasir al-Quraishi, a local doctor, shared the devastating news of losing five family members during an outing intended to escape the incessant power shortages at home. Eyewitness accounts suggest that an air conditioning unit exploded on the second floor, sparking the deadly fire, trapping countless shoppers in the mall.
As families searched for their loved ones amidst the chaos, reports surfaced of a lack of adequate fire safety systems in the facility. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani expressed his condolences to the bereaved families, ordering an immediate investigation into the causes of the fire and any systemic failures. The mall, which offered dining and shopping options, opened just days prior, a stark reminder of the often disregarded safety protocols in Iraqi construction and emergency response.
This tragedy follows a string of fatal incidents in Iraq, highlighting ongoing concerns about safety and regulatory compliance in public spaces.
Footage shared on social media captured the chaos as firefighters attempted to rescue individuals trapped on the roof while state media disclosed that numerous victims remained unlocated. Regional governor, Mohammed al-Miyahi, expressed the community’s grief, labeling the event as a “tragedy and a calamity,” and confirmed that legal actions will be initiated against the mall's owner. In a show of respect, the governor has declared three days of mourning for the victims.
While video clips depicted flames engulfing several levels of the shopping center, rescuers were seen working to pull people from the debris. However, the gravity of the situation was underscored by reports from the interior ministry which stated that many victims had suffocated, with some of the bodies yet to be identified. Ambulances remained active into the early hours, transporting the injured to local hospitals.
Among the survivors, personal stories emerged of heartbreak and loss. Nasir al-Quraishi, a local doctor, shared the devastating news of losing five family members during an outing intended to escape the incessant power shortages at home. Eyewitness accounts suggest that an air conditioning unit exploded on the second floor, sparking the deadly fire, trapping countless shoppers in the mall.
As families searched for their loved ones amidst the chaos, reports surfaced of a lack of adequate fire safety systems in the facility. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani expressed his condolences to the bereaved families, ordering an immediate investigation into the causes of the fire and any systemic failures. The mall, which offered dining and shopping options, opened just days prior, a stark reminder of the often disregarded safety protocols in Iraqi construction and emergency response.
This tragedy follows a string of fatal incidents in Iraq, highlighting ongoing concerns about safety and regulatory compliance in public spaces.
