A fire that erupted in the Corniche Hypermarket Mall in Kut, Iraq, has resulted in at least 55 fatalities with rescue efforts ongoing. Witness accounts and authorities report that the inferno, which started just five days after the mall's opening, created chaos and devastation.
Tragic Inferno Claims Lives at Iraqi Shopping Centre
Tragic Inferno Claims Lives at Iraqi Shopping Centre
Dozens tragically die as a fire engulfs a newly opened mall in Kut, Iraq, prompting investigations and calls for accountability.
Fire crews and medical personnel are now in the process of searching for survivors and processing the casualties while an investigation into the cause of the blaze is expected to yield preliminary findings soon.
On Wednesday night, a catastrophic fire swept through a shopping centre in the Iraqi city of Kut, leading to a heart-wrenching toll of at least 55 confirmed deaths and many injuries. This tragedy struck just five days after the opening of the Corniche Hypermarket Mall, a new addition to the area.
The local governor, Mohammed al-Miyahi, expressed his deep sorrow over the disaster, labeling it a "tragedy and a calamity." He announced plans to hold the mall’s owner accountable, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deadly fire.
Eyewitness reports indicated that flames surged through multiple floors of the shopping centre as firefighters battled the blaze, which was finally brought under control. Videos from the scene circulated on various news channels, depicting the ferocity of the blaze and the desperate attempts by trapped shoppers to escape. One harrowing account recounted by Nasir al-Quraishi, a doctor in his 50s, revealed that he lost five family members when an air conditioner exploded on the second floor, sparking the fire.
As of the latest updates, ambulances were still transporting victims to local hospitals, and firefighters remained committed to searching for any individuals who might still be unaccounted for. Medical sources reported that many unidentified bodies were among the casualties, adding to the overall grim atmosphere surrounding the incident.
Governor al-Miyahi underscored the urgency of a comprehensive review of safety measures in the city, indicating that the investigation would likely yield initial findings within two days. The accident highlights critical concerns regarding fire safety in public spaces, particularly considering the mall's recent inauguration.
As the community mourns the devastating loss of life, updates continue to emerge regarding this tragic event which has shocked the nation and prompted calls for reinforced safety standards in public buildings across Iraq.
On Wednesday night, a catastrophic fire swept through a shopping centre in the Iraqi city of Kut, leading to a heart-wrenching toll of at least 55 confirmed deaths and many injuries. This tragedy struck just five days after the opening of the Corniche Hypermarket Mall, a new addition to the area.
The local governor, Mohammed al-Miyahi, expressed his deep sorrow over the disaster, labeling it a "tragedy and a calamity." He announced plans to hold the mall’s owner accountable, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deadly fire.
Eyewitness reports indicated that flames surged through multiple floors of the shopping centre as firefighters battled the blaze, which was finally brought under control. Videos from the scene circulated on various news channels, depicting the ferocity of the blaze and the desperate attempts by trapped shoppers to escape. One harrowing account recounted by Nasir al-Quraishi, a doctor in his 50s, revealed that he lost five family members when an air conditioner exploded on the second floor, sparking the fire.
As of the latest updates, ambulances were still transporting victims to local hospitals, and firefighters remained committed to searching for any individuals who might still be unaccounted for. Medical sources reported that many unidentified bodies were among the casualties, adding to the overall grim atmosphere surrounding the incident.
Governor al-Miyahi underscored the urgency of a comprehensive review of safety measures in the city, indicating that the investigation would likely yield initial findings within two days. The accident highlights critical concerns regarding fire safety in public spaces, particularly considering the mall's recent inauguration.
As the community mourns the devastating loss of life, updates continue to emerge regarding this tragic event which has shocked the nation and prompted calls for reinforced safety standards in public buildings across Iraq.
