The article text:
A tragic fire has engulfed the Corniche Hypermarket Mall in Kut, Iraq, resulting in a high number of casualties, according to state media reports. The incident, which started on Wednesday evening, has led to at least 55 confirmed fatalities and numerous injuries as emergency responders continue to search for missing individuals.
The regional governor, Mohammed al-Miyahi, expressed deep sorrow over the incident, labeling it "a tragedy and a calamity," and announced intentions to pursue legal action against the mall's owner. Eyewitness videos broadcasted on INA's news channel captured the terrifying scene of flames consuming multiple floors while firefighters battled to control the inferno.
Rescue efforts are ongoing, with a number of individuals reportedly saved from the building. Medical officials stated that ambulances were dispatching casualties to local hospitals as late as 04:00 local time. A witness, Nasir al-Quraishi, recounted a harrowing experience in which he lost five family members during the fire. "We went to the mall to escape the heat and enjoy dinner," he described. "But an air conditioner exploded on the second floor, and chaos ensued."
A medical source confirmed the tragic loss of life, estimating the number of unidentified bodies to be significant. Authorities have initiated a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the blaze, with preliminary results expected shortly. "We must conduct a serious review of all safety measures in place," Governor al-Miyahi emphasized, noting that the shopping centre had only opened five days prior. As the community mourns, residents are left grappling with the shock of this avoidable disaster.
A tragic fire has engulfed the Corniche Hypermarket Mall in Kut, Iraq, resulting in a high number of casualties, according to state media reports. The incident, which started on Wednesday evening, has led to at least 55 confirmed fatalities and numerous injuries as emergency responders continue to search for missing individuals.
The regional governor, Mohammed al-Miyahi, expressed deep sorrow over the incident, labeling it "a tragedy and a calamity," and announced intentions to pursue legal action against the mall's owner. Eyewitness videos broadcasted on INA's news channel captured the terrifying scene of flames consuming multiple floors while firefighters battled to control the inferno.
Rescue efforts are ongoing, with a number of individuals reportedly saved from the building. Medical officials stated that ambulances were dispatching casualties to local hospitals as late as 04:00 local time. A witness, Nasir al-Quraishi, recounted a harrowing experience in which he lost five family members during the fire. "We went to the mall to escape the heat and enjoy dinner," he described. "But an air conditioner exploded on the second floor, and chaos ensued."
A medical source confirmed the tragic loss of life, estimating the number of unidentified bodies to be significant. Authorities have initiated a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the blaze, with preliminary results expected shortly. "We must conduct a serious review of all safety measures in place," Governor al-Miyahi emphasized, noting that the shopping centre had only opened five days prior. As the community mourns, residents are left grappling with the shock of this avoidable disaster.
