Hypermarket Fire Kills 69, 11 Missing in Kut Iraq

A devastating fire broke out in the newly opened Al-Kornish Hypermarket, a five- to six-story shopping center in Kut, Iraq, killing at least 61 people and leaving 11 missing. Most victims died from suffocation in bathrooms due to heavy smoke, with 14 bodies severely burned and yet to be identified. The fire reportedly started from an air conditioner explosion on the second floor before rapidly engulfing the building, trapping many inside. Firefighters heroically rescued more than 45 people, with many survivors and relatives mourning the loss of family members. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani ordered an immediate investigation to identify causes and prevent future incidents, while the governor declared three days of mourning and announced legal action against the mall's owner and contractor. The tragedy has sparked calls for a serious review of safety measures in the region.