Kut, Iraq:
A devastating fire engulfed a hypermarket and adjoining restaurant in the city of Kut, eastern Iraq, claiming at least 60 lives and leaving 11 people unaccounted for, authorities confirmed on Thursday. The inferno erupted late on Wednesday night in the five‑storey building as families were shopping and dining.
A city health official reported, “We have compiled a list of 59 victims whose identities have been confirmed, but one body was so badly burned that it has been extremely difficult to identify.” He added that several bodies remained trapped under debris from the blaze.
Footage circulating on social media depicted flames engulfing the building as firefighters battled to control the fire throughout the night. Reuters was unable to independently verify the videos.
Wasit provincial governor Mohammed al‑Mayahi told reporters that the fire originated in the hypermarket and restaurant complex. He noted those inside were caught off‑guard during dinner and shopping. “A tragedy and a calamity have befallen us,” he said. Following the incident, authorities declared three days of mourning and initiated an official investigation. The governor said initial findings would be released within 48 hours.
In a statement carried by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), the governor announced legal action against the building’s owner and the mall operator. “We have filed lawsuits against the owner of the building and the mall,” he confirmed.
Initial investigations into the fire’s cause remain inconclusive. The governor promised a prompt and transparent inquiry, vowing accountability for any negligence.
Emergency teams worked overnight to extinguish the blaze and rescue survivors. However, the full scale of the human toll is still emerging as rescuers sift through the charred wreckage for missing individuals.
The tragedy has shaken residents in Kut and surrounding areas. Many rushed to the site, hoping for news of missing relatives. Hospitals in the region are reporting an influx of injured people and are working to provide immediate care.
The incident occurred as worries about emergency preparedness and building safety regulations grew throughout Iraq. Previous incidents have brought attention to the insufficient enforcement of fire codes in crowded commercial complexes, which has sparked calls for regulatory reform once again.
Officials are under increasing pressure to strengthen fire safety protocols and guarantee prompt justice as the community grieves and looks for the missing. Governor al-Mayahi's promised investigation could be crucial to determining the cause and averting future tragedies.
