At least 60 people have died and 11 others are still missing after a massive fire broke out in a newly opened shopping mall in Kut city, Iraq. The tragic incident happened just five days after the supermarket started operating. According to a local health official who spoke to Reuters, 59 of the victims’ bodies have been identified so far. However, one body was so badly burned that it has been difficult to confirm the identity.
The cause of the fire has not been officially confirmed yet, but eyewitnesses say it may have started from an air conditioner explosion on the ground floor. The fire quickly spread throughout the five-storey building. Videos that have gone viral on social media show thick smoke and large flames pouring from the structure, as firefighters struggled to control the blaze and rescue people trapped inside.
Iraq’s Civil Defense team managed to rescue more than 45 people, according to the Ministry of Interior. Sadly, many others remain unaccounted for. In response to the tragedy, the local government has filed legal cases against the owners of the mall and the building. Authorities have announced that an investigation is underway, and a preliminary report on the incident is expected within 48 hours.
The regional governor confirmed that the fire has now been brought under control. Meanwhile, the entire province has declared three days of mourning. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has ordered the Home Minister to visit the site, oversee the investigation, and ensure that proper safety measures are put in place to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Iraq has long struggled with poor enforcement of safety standards, partly due to years of internal conflict. As a result, such deadly accidents happen far too often, leaving citizens vulnerable and grieving. This latest tragedy is yet another painful reminder of the urgent need for stronger safety rules and accountability.
