Iraq Hypermarket Fire Leaves 69 Dead
IRAQ – At least 69 people have been confirmed dead, and 11 others remain missing after a massive fire engulfed a hypermarket in al-Kut City, located in the southern part of the country.
Health officials and police sources reported that the fire broke out late at night, trapping many shoppers inside. According to reports, the blaze began on the floor where perfumes and cosmetics were sold.
Rescue teams continued searching while firefighters battled the flames. Verified videos from Reuters showed firefighters spraying water on the burning Corniche Hypermarket as others helped people climb onto the roof to escape. The building’s exterior was left blackened after the blaze.
Ali al-Mayahi, a local official, said that more bodies were believed to be trapped under the debris. Ali Al-Zargani, a nearby resident, described how the raging fires trapped many people inside, with everyone desperately trying to find a way out. He recalled seeing the burned bodies of children and women lying on the ground, calling it a horrifying scene. Some bodies have been prepared for burial, but over 15 severely burned victims will require DNA testing for identification.
The exact cause of the fire remains unclear. In response to the tragedy, Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani ordered an urgent investigation to identify any failures in safety or emergency response. He also declared a period of national mourning to honor the victims.
The provincial governor assured that the investigation results would be released within 48 hours. Meanwhile, legal charges have been filed against the owner of the hypermarket building and the mall, holding them responsible for the disaster. The tragic incident has caused widespread grief across Iraq, as families await updates on their missing loved ones while search and recovery efforts continue.