Fire Kills 60, Leaves 11 Missing in Al-Kut Iraq

A devastating fire at a five-story hypermarket and restaurant complex in al-Kut city, eastern Iraq, has resulted in at least 60 deaths and 11 individuals reported missing. Rescue teams have been working to recover bodies still trapped under the fire debris, with 59 victims identified and one body difficult to identify due to severe burning. Viral videos showed the building engulfed in flames, highlighting the scale of the disaster as firefighters struggled to contain the blaze. Authorities have announced three days of mourning and launched an investigation, promising to release initial findings within 48 hours. The Wasit province governor confirmed lawsuits have been filed against the building owner and mall management, citing negligence and safety violations. This tragic incident has raised serious concerns about fire safety standards and emergency preparedness in Iraq’s public spaces.