At least 55 people have died, prompting calls for a thorough investigation into the mall's safety measures.
**Tragic Blaze Claims Lives at Newly Opened Iraq Shopping Centre**
**Tragic Blaze Claims Lives at Newly Opened Iraq Shopping Centre**
A catastrophic fire at the Corniche Hypermarket Mall in Kut has resulted in numerous fatalities, with rescue efforts ongoing.
The aftermath of a devastating fire that broke out at the Corniche Hypermarket Mall in the Iraqi city of Kut on Wednesday night has left the community in shock. The blaze erupted just five days after the shopping centre had opened its doors, resulting in casualties among shoppers and staff.
State media reported that at least 55 people have perished as medical teams continue the grim task of searching for missing individuals. Regional governor Mohammed al-Miyahi expressed profound sorrow over the tragedy, labeling it a "calamity" and confirming that legal action would be pursued against the mall's ownership.
Footage from the scene depicted flames engulfing multiple floors of the multi-storey building, while firefighters struggled to control the inferno. Eyewitness accounts mentioned individuals trapped on the roof, while initial rescue efforts yielded many saved souls from the devastating fire.
Ambulances transported the injured to hospitals in Kut, located about 160 kilometers southeast of Baghdad, amid chaos and sorrow that gripped the city throughout the early hours following the incident. Medical sources spoke of "more than 50 martyrs," with many deceased yet to be identified.
One survivor, doctor Nasir al-Quraishi, shared his heartbreak, recounting how he lost five family members in the tragedy. Grieving for their shared meal turned nightmare, he recalled an air conditioner explosion triggering the deadly blaze that made escape impossible.
In response to the fire, Governor al-Miyahi announced an investigation into the cause, set to yield preliminary findings within two days. He emphasized the necessity of a "serious review of all safety procedures" in light of this devastating event.
As the community mourns, the implications of the tragedy resonate far beyond the flames, raising critical questions around fire safety and urban infrastructure in the region. The situation is being monitored closely, with further updates expected as pertinent details emerge.
State media reported that at least 55 people have perished as medical teams continue the grim task of searching for missing individuals. Regional governor Mohammed al-Miyahi expressed profound sorrow over the tragedy, labeling it a "calamity" and confirming that legal action would be pursued against the mall's ownership.
Footage from the scene depicted flames engulfing multiple floors of the multi-storey building, while firefighters struggled to control the inferno. Eyewitness accounts mentioned individuals trapped on the roof, while initial rescue efforts yielded many saved souls from the devastating fire.
Ambulances transported the injured to hospitals in Kut, located about 160 kilometers southeast of Baghdad, amid chaos and sorrow that gripped the city throughout the early hours following the incident. Medical sources spoke of "more than 50 martyrs," with many deceased yet to be identified.
One survivor, doctor Nasir al-Quraishi, shared his heartbreak, recounting how he lost five family members in the tragedy. Grieving for their shared meal turned nightmare, he recalled an air conditioner explosion triggering the deadly blaze that made escape impossible.
In response to the fire, Governor al-Miyahi announced an investigation into the cause, set to yield preliminary findings within two days. He emphasized the necessity of a "serious review of all safety procedures" in light of this devastating event.
As the community mourns, the implications of the tragedy resonate far beyond the flames, raising critical questions around fire safety and urban infrastructure in the region. The situation is being monitored closely, with further updates expected as pertinent details emerge.
