A devastating fire broke out at a hypermarket in Kut city, eastern Iraq, resulting in the deaths of at least 50 people and injuring many others. The Wasjit province governor, Mohammed al-Mayahi, confirmed the incident, stating that families were having dinner and shopping when the fire erupted. Firefighters worked tirelessly to contain the blaze and rescue those trapped inside the five-storey building.
Governor al-Mayahi announced that an investigation has been launched, with results expected within 48 hours. “A tragedy and a calamity have befallen us,” he said, adding that lawsuits have been filed against the owner of the building and the mall. Three days of mourning have been declared in response to the disaster.
Videos on social media showed flames engulfing the building, with firefighters battling to put out the fire. The governor reported that firefighters rescued a number of people and successfully extinguished the blaze. The cause of the fire is currently unknown, but authorities are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. The mall had only opened five days prior to the tragedy, making the incident even more shocking.
Emergency services were still taking victims to hospitals as late as 4:00 am local time, and hospitals in Kut are now filled with casualties from the incident. The sheer number of injured and dead has put a significant strain on local medical facilities, with many people receiving treatment for burns and smoke inhalation.
The Wasit province governor, Mohammed al-Miyahi, has taken legal action against the owner of the building and the mall, promising that initial probe results would be released within two days. The governor’s swift response indicates a commitment to accountability and transparency in the face of this tragedy.