A massive fire has claimed the lives of at least 50 people and left many others injured at a hypermarket in Kut city, located in eastern Iraq, the state news agency INA reported, quoting Wasit province governor Mohammed al-Mayahi.
The devastating blaze erupted late at night, quickly consuming a five-storey building that housed a popular hypermarket and an attached restaurant. Videos widely shared on social media showed the entire structure engulfed in flames as firefighters struggled to contain the inferno. Witnesses reported hearing cries for help from trapped victims as thick black smoke billowed into the night sky.
According to Governor al-Mayahi, families were shopping and dining inside the building when the fire broke out, leaving little time for many to escape. "This is a tragedy and a calamity that has befallen us," the governor said, visibly shaken by the disaster.
Firefighters worked through the night to rescue survivors and bring the flames under control. Emergency services evacuated several injured people, many of whom suffered burns or smoke inhalation, and rushed them to nearby hospitals. Medical teams have appealed for blood donations to help treat the wounded, as hospitals in Kut were overwhelmed with casualties.
Initial reports suggest that poor safety standards, faulty electrical wiring, or a gas leak in the restaurant area could have sparked the fire, though the exact cause remains under investigation. Experts have pointed out that many commercial buildings in Iraq often lack proper fire exits, sprinklers, and emergency plans — issues that have contributed to similar tragedies in the past.
Governor al-Mayahi declared three days of mourning across Wasit province in honor of the victims and announced an immediate investigation, with results expected within 48 hours. Authorities have also filed lawsuits against the owner of the building and the mall for alleged negligence and violations of safety regulations.
In response to the tragedy, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and called for stricter enforcement of building codes and fire safety standards nationwide.
Rescue operations continued into the early morning hours, with search teams combing through the charred ruins in case more victims were trapped under debris. Humanitarian organizations have stepped in to assist survivors and provide temporary shelter for families who lost loved ones or livelihoods in the blaze.
The incident has sparked public outrage and renewed demands for accountability and improved safety measures in commercial establishments, with many Iraqis taking to social media to voice their grief and anger under the hashtag