A devastating fire swept through a shopping center in the city of Kut, Iraq, late Wednesday night, killing at least 61 people. The incident occurred at the Corniche Hypermarket Mall, which had only opened its doors five days earlier.
According to authorities, the blaze began on the ground level and quickly engulfed the six-story structure. Witnesses say an air conditioning unit exploded, igniting the fire.
At the time of the incident, the mall was filled with families, men, women, and children, who were shopping or dining. Some tried to escape the flames by climbing onto the roof. Social media footage captured the inferno, showing the mall engulfed in fire and heavy smoke.
Rescue Operations Carried Out Through the Night
Emergency response teams worked throughout the night to save those trapped inside. Over 45 people were pulled from the building, and ambulances transported the injured to local hospitals until the early morning hours. Many victims have yet to be identified, with at least 14 bodies burned beyond recognition.
One survivor, Dr. Nasir al-Quraishi, recounted losing five members of his family. “We came to the mall for dinner because of the ongoing power outages. Suddenly, an AC unit exploded and fire spread rapidly. We were trapped,” he told AFP.
Photos taken after the fire show a charred, crumbling mall interior. Firefighters continue to sift through the ruins in search of more victims or potential survivors.
Majority of Deaths Linked to Smoke Inhalation
The Iraqi Interior Ministry reported that most fatalities resulted from suffocation, particularly in bathrooms where people sought refuge. Officials have pledged a thorough investigation into the tragedy.
Governor Miyahi announced three days of official mourning. He also stated that both the mall owner and the construction contractor would be held legally accountable. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has ordered a full inquiry into the cause and circumstances surrounding the disaster.
Fire safety regulations in Iraq are often overlooked, leading to frequent and deadly blazes, especially during the scorching summer months when temperatures can soar to 50°C (122°F).
This latest tragedy adds to a troubling history. In 2023, more than 100 people died in a wedding hall fire. Two years earlier, over 60 lives were lost in a hospital blaze in southern Iraq.