A devastating fire tore through a five-storey hypermarket in Kut city, eastern Iraq, overnight, leaving at least 50 people dead or injured, according to Iraq’s state news agency INA, citing Wasit province Governor Mohammed al-Mayahi.
Dramatic footage shared on social media showed flames engulfing the multi-storey building as firefighters battled the blaze through the night. The fire reportedly broke out in both a hypermarket and an adjoining restaurant, where families had gathered for dinner and shopping.
Governor al-Mayahi confirmed that emergency teams rescued several people, and the fire has since been brought under control. In response to the tragedy, the province has declared three days of mourning, and an official investigation has been launched. Authorities have pledged to release the results within 48 hours.
Calling it “a tragedy and a calamity,” al-Mayahi said lawsuits have been filed against the building owner and mall operator in connection with the incident.
