Devastating Fire At Al-Kut Hypermarket In Iraq Kills 69, Leaves 11 Missing

Fire in Iraq Mall

A catastrophic fire tore through the Corniche Hypermarket in Al-Kut, a city in eastern Iraq, late Wednesday night, resulting in at least 69 deaths and 11 people still unaccounted for, according to local health authorities and police sources. The blaze, which engulfed the newly opened five-story commercial complex, has left the community reeling and prompted swift action from Iraqi officials.

Footage captured by Reuters revealed the grim aftermath, showing the charred exterior of the Corniche Hypermarket as rescue teams and security forces worked tirelessly at the scene. Verified videos depicted firefighters battling intense flames overnight, with desperate survivors climbing from the building’s roof, assisted by rescue personnel. The fire, which spread rapidly through the complex that included a supermarket and restaurant, trapped many inside, leading to a high death toll.

City official Ali al-Mayahi reported that additional bodies remain buried under debris, with search and rescue efforts ongoing. “The recovery process is far from over, as we are still working to locate victims trapped beneath the rubble,” he stated. The majority of the victims reportedly succumbed to smoke inhalation, with 14 bodies so severely burned that identification has proven challenging, requiring DNA testing in some cases.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with preliminary findings expected within 48 hours, as announced by Wasit province Governor Mohammed al-Mayahi. One survivor suggested to AFP that an air conditioning unit explosion may have sparked the blaze, though this has not been officially confirmed. An initial police report indicated the fire may have originated on the floor housing perfumes and cosmetics, but authorities are still piecing together the sequence of events.

In response to the tragedy, the Iraqi government has taken decisive steps. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani ordered an immediate probe to identify any safety lapses and prevent future incidents. The Wasit governor has also initiated legal action against the building and mall owners, with lawsuits filed to address potential negligence. “We will hold those responsible accountable, whether directly or indirectly,” Governor al-Mayahi declared, emphasizing the need for justice for the victims’ families.

The fire has highlighted ongoing concerns about inadequate safety standards in Iraq, where lax regulations and poor construction practices have contributed to deadly incidents in the past. In 2023, a fire at a wedding hall in northern Iraq claimed over 100 lives, and a 2021 hospital blaze in Nasiriyah killed more than 60 people, both exacerbated by flammable materials and insufficient safety measures. The Corniche Hypermarket, which had opened just days before the fire, has become the latest example of this systemic issue.

The disaster has plunged Al-Kut into mourning, with the provincial governor declaring three days of mourning across Wasit province. Distraught relatives gathered outside hospitals and the forensic department, some collapsing in grief as they awaited news of loved ones. One witness, Ali Al-Zargani, described the harrowing scene: “I saw the remains of women and children—it was a nightmare.” Ambulances continued to transport casualties into the early hours, overwhelming local medical facilities.

As rescue operations persist and the investigation unfolds, the tragedy underscores the urgent need for stricter enforcement of safety regulations in Iraq’s public and commercial spaces. The government’s commitment to transparency, with results due shortly, will be closely watched as the nation grapples with yet another devastating loss. The focus remains on supporting the affected families and ensuring such a calamity does not recur.

Highlights:

Fire at Corniche Hypermarket in Al-Kut, Iraq, claims 69 lives, 11 still missing.
Rescue teams battle blaze; bodies remain trapped under debris.
Investigation underway, with lawsuits filed against mall and building owners.
Iraq’s history of lax safety measures blamed for high death toll.

https://theeasterntimes.com/morning-routine-healthy-life-exercise-yoga/