Tragedy strikes southern Iraq as a five-storey shopping complex goes up in flames overnight; preliminary reports suggest electrical fault as rescue operations continue
Kut (Iraq): A devastating fire broke out late at night in a five-storey shopping mall located in Kut city, in Iraq’s southern Wasit province, leading to chaos, panic, and immense loss of life. As per initial reports, more than 60 people have been confirmed dead or injured, with over 50 fatalities and 11 individuals still reported missing.
Videos circulating on social media captured the terrifying scene — intense flames erupting from the upper floors of the mall and thick black smoke spreading across the surrounding area. Despite the quick arrival of firefighting teams, the blaze proved extremely difficult to control, taking several hours of tireless efforts by multiple fire engines and personnel.
A Scene of Horror in the Dark of Night
The incident occurred during the late hours when a few stores in the mall were still operating, and staff members were present inside the building. Eyewitnesses recount that the fire started suddenly from the upper floors and swiftly spread downward, engulfing the entire structure in a matter of minutes.
Panic gripped those trapped inside as they rushed to escape the flames. Witnesses reported people screaming for help while others tried to flee through emergency exits. Firefighters launched a rescue operation, managing to pull several individuals to safety, though thick smoke and the intensity of the flames severely hampered relief efforts.
Casualties and Injuries Continue to Rise
According to local authorities, the confirmed toll has already surpassed 60 casualties. Over 50 people have died, and many others are being treated for serious injuries at nearby hospitals. The number of missing persons stands at 11, and the death toll is feared to rise as rescue and recovery operations continue.
Wasit Governor visited the site and ordered a full-scale investigation into the incident. He assured the public that preliminary findings would be made available within the next 48 hours.
Cause Under Investigation, Negligence Suspected
While the exact cause of the fire has not yet been officially determined, early indications point toward a possible electrical fault or failure in the building’s safety systems.
Fire-related tragedies are unfortunately not uncommon in Iraq, a country plagued by long-standing issues related to poor fire safety infrastructure, outdated electrical systems, and lax enforcement of building codes.
Not the First Time: A History of Fires in Iraq
This tragedy adds to a grim list of fire-related disasters in Iraq. In September 2023, over 100 people were killed in a fire that broke out during a wedding in the town of Qaraqosh, also in northern Iraq. The fire was later attributed to highly flammable decorations and lack of fire safety compliance.
In April 2021, Baghdad witnessed another catastrophe when a fire broke out in a hospital after oxygen cylinders exploded, killing at least 82 people. These events laid bare the country’s fragile emergency response systems and the dire need for comprehensive safety reforms — issues that remain largely unresolved.
Public Outrage and Pressure on Government
In the aftermath of the Kut mall fire, social activists and civil society organizations have voiced strong criticism of the government’s repeated failures to prevent such disasters. Many have pointed out that despite past incidents and mounting casualties, no significant improvement in public safety or emergency preparedness has been seen.
There is growing demand for accountability and structural reforms. Citizens and community leaders are calling for strict building inspections, modern fire prevention systems, and better-trained emergency responders.
Compensation Likely to Be Announced Soon
While the government has yet to announce financial aid, officials from Wasit province are expected to declare compensation packages for the families of the deceased and injured survivors in the coming days.
At present, the atmosphere in Kut remains tense and sorrowful. Locals have gathered near the site of the disaster, watching as search and rescue teams continue their operations. The authorities have urged people to avoid spreading rumors and rely only on verified information.
As Iraq mourns yet another avoidable tragedy, the pressing question remains: Will this be a turning point in the nation’s approach to public safety, or will it become just another statistic in a string of preventable disasters?
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