A devastating fire ripped through a large shopping center in Kut, eastern Iraq, on Wednesday, claiming the lives of at least 61 people, including men, women, and children.
The five-story Al-Kornish Hypermarket, which housed a restaurant and a large supermarket, was engulfed in flames, with people trapped inside.
Video footage showed the building ablaze, with people gathered on the rooftop as firefighters battled the blaze.
Rescue Efforts Amidst the Chaos
Despite the severity of the situation, Civil Defense teams managed to rescue more than 45 people who were trapped inside the building, with remarkable dedication and courage.
People were seen being helped through small windows by emergency responders in another video from regional authorities.
Investigation into the Cause of the Fire
Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani requested a fully equipped medical team to support the rescue efforts and instructed the Minister of Interior to immediately launch an investigation into the cause of the fire.
The interior minister Abdul Amir Al-Shammari said a high-level investigative committee would “identify all points of failure and responsibility” and that any party “found negligent” would be held to account.
Mourning and Condolences
Iraq’s Prime Minister extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of those killed and was praying for them to find comfort.
Three days of mourning for the victims have been declared in the Wasit region, the local governor, Mohammed Jameel Al-Mayahi, said in a post on Facebook.
Al-Mayahi said details from an initial probe into the cause would be released within 48 hours. A legal case has been filed against the building owner, he added.
A Familiar Pattern of Tragedy in Iraq
Iraq has witnessed similar deadly incidents in the past, often attributed to a lack of adherence to civil defense regulations, and poor safety measures and electrical short circuits.
In April 2021, a fire at Ibn al-Khatib Hospital in Baghdad claimed the lives of more than 80 patients in a COVID-19 isolation ward when oxygen tanks exploded.