At least 61 people have perished in a catastrophic fire at a shopping center in Kut, Iraq, with many others still unaccounted for.
Deadly Fire Engulfs New Iraqi Shopping Center, Killing 61 and Leaving Many Missing
Deadly Fire Engulfs New Iraqi Shopping Center, Killing 61 and Leaving Many Missing
Tragic blaze strikes the newly opened mall in Kut, prompting mourning and urgent calls for accountability.
The inferno erupted late Wednesday night at the Corniche Hypermarket, just a week after its inauguration, and quickly spread across multiple floors. Videos shared on social media captured the chaotic scenes as firefighters worked to rescue trapped individuals from the roof while mournful cries echoed through the remnants of the mall. Local officials confirmed that the fire has since been brought under control, but its devastating aftermath has left a profound shock in the community.
Iraqi authorities are now demanding accountability, with regional governor Mohammed al-Miyahi announcing plans to take legal action against the mall's ownership, and declaring three days of mourning for the lost lives. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, though reports suggest an explosion from an air conditioning unit may have triggered the disaster.
Recent updates indicate that a significant number of victims succumbed to smoke inhalation, with many trapped in restrooms during the chaos. "This tragedy has claimed innocent lives, some of whom have yet to be identified," stated the interior ministry, also confirming the rescue of 45 individuals.
Emotional testimonies from survivors reveal the extent of the loss. Moataz Karim recounted the sorrow of identifying two relatives in the aftermath, while another bystander, Ali Kadhim, is still searching for his missing cousin and his family. Alarmingly, reports from on-site witnesses highlight the absence of proper fire safety systems within the structurally flawed building, a recurring issue in Iraq plagued by construction malpractices and corruption.
In response to the calamity, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani expressed his condolences and instructed the interior ministry to initiate an immediate investigation into the incident's origins and potential lapses in safety measures.
This tragic incident follows a series of deadly events linked to poor safety standards in Iraq, underscoring a pressing need for improved regulations and oversight to prevent future catastrophes.
Iraqi authorities are now demanding accountability, with regional governor Mohammed al-Miyahi announcing plans to take legal action against the mall's ownership, and declaring three days of mourning for the lost lives. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, though reports suggest an explosion from an air conditioning unit may have triggered the disaster.
Recent updates indicate that a significant number of victims succumbed to smoke inhalation, with many trapped in restrooms during the chaos. "This tragedy has claimed innocent lives, some of whom have yet to be identified," stated the interior ministry, also confirming the rescue of 45 individuals.
Emotional testimonies from survivors reveal the extent of the loss. Moataz Karim recounted the sorrow of identifying two relatives in the aftermath, while another bystander, Ali Kadhim, is still searching for his missing cousin and his family. Alarmingly, reports from on-site witnesses highlight the absence of proper fire safety systems within the structurally flawed building, a recurring issue in Iraq plagued by construction malpractices and corruption.
In response to the calamity, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani expressed his condolences and instructed the interior ministry to initiate an immediate investigation into the incident's origins and potential lapses in safety measures.
This tragic incident follows a series of deadly events linked to poor safety standards in Iraq, underscoring a pressing need for improved regulations and oversight to prevent future catastrophes.
