At least 61 people have perished following a devastating fire that engulfed a shopping centre in the Iraqi city of Kut, just a week after its opening. The inferno broke out on Wednesday night and has been reportedly brought under control, yet many victims remain unaccounted for. Local authorities and regional governor Mohammed al-Miyahi expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, declaring a three-day mourning period and indicating plans for legal action against the mall's owner. Eyewitness videos displayed heroic rescue efforts by firefighters, as they worked to save those trapped on the roof.
**Tragedy Strikes Iraq: Deadly Fire Claims 61 Lives in Shopping Mall Blaze**
**Tragedy Strikes Iraq: Deadly Fire Claims 61 Lives in Shopping Mall Blaze**
A catastrophic fire in a newly opened shopping mall in Kut, Iraq, has resulted in over 60 fatalities and numerous missing persons, prompting a state of mourning.
Emergency services continued to transfer victims to hospitals as details about the incident emerged. According to the interior ministry, many of the deceased suffocated, with some charred bodies still unidentified. Survivors shared harrowing accounts, highlighting a chaotic scene triggered by an air conditioner explosion, which hindered escape routes. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani conveyed condolences to the families and has ordered an urgent investigation into the fire's cause, emphasizing the importance of enforcing safety regulations in building practices long marred by negligence and corruption in Iraq. The recent disaster highlights ongoing issues with safety standards, echoing prior tragedies, including a wedding party fire that killed over 100 people in 2023.
