A devastating fire at a crowded hypermarket in Kut, eastern Iraq, has claimed 61 lives, according to the country's interior ministry. The blaze erupted overnight, trapping shoppers and staff in what authorities describe as one of the deadliest commercial disasters in recent Iraqi history.
Most victims suffocated while seeking refuge in bathrooms as thick smoke rapidly filled the building, officials revealed Thursday. Fourteen charred bodies remain unidentified, complicating efforts to notify families. The death toll rose from an initial count of 50 as emergency workers combed through the wreckage.
"This tragedy has left deep wounds in our community," read a ministry statement, promising a full investigation into fire safety protocols. The incident has reignited debates about building code enforcement across Iraqi cities, particularly in crowded commercial spaces.
As rescue operations transition to recovery efforts, local authorities face mounting questions about emergency response preparedness. The disaster highlights ongoing challenges in urban safety infrastructure as Iraq continues post-conflict reconstruction efforts.
