A devastating fire engulfed a shopping mall in Kut, eastern Iraq, claiming dozens of lives – including children – and triggering a large-scale emergency response, local authorities confirmed Thursday. The blaze, one of the deadliest commercial disasters in recent years, has raised urgent questions about safety standards and accountability.
Rescue teams worked through the night as hospitals across the province activated emergency protocols. Municipal water services redirected resources to support firefighting efforts, while medical staff prepared for mass casualty intake. "This tragedy has shocked our community to its core," said a Kut health official speaking on condition of anonymity.
Authorities have initiated legal proceedings against the building owner and supermarket management, with investigators expected to deliver preliminary findings within 48 hours. The disaster has reignited debates about fire code enforcement in commercial structures across Iraq's urban centers.
As families await identification of victims, social media tributes highlight the human cost of the tragedy. Regional leaders have declared three days of mourning, while international partners offer technical assistance for the investigation.
