Fire Kills 61, Injures Dozens at Newly Opened Kut Hypermarket Iraq

A devastating fire engulfed the newly opened five-story Corniche Hypermarket Mall in Kut, eastern Iraq, killing at least 61 people and injuring many others. The blaze, which erupted during peak evening hours while families were dining and shopping, trapped many victims, with 14 charred bodies recovered and over 45 people rescued by civil defense teams. Iraqi officials, including Wasit Governor Mohammed al-Mayahi, have declared three days of mourning and launched a criminal investigation, filing lawsuits against the building owner and mall operator amid concerns over potential negligence and poor fire safety enforcement. Preliminary findings on the fire's cause, possibly electrical in nature, are expected within 48 hours. The tragedy has raised serious alarm about building safety standards in Iraq, echoing past deadly incidents linked to flammable materials and inadequate regulations. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani dispatched medical and rescue teams to support efforts and extended condolences to the victims' families.