Fire at mall in Iraq leaves at least 69 dead: Officials
Reuters' footage of the aftermath of the overnight fire showed the blackened exterior of the "Corniche Hypermarket" building, with rescue teams and security forces still at the site.
Videos verified by Reuters showed firefighters spraying water on the blazing building overnight and people climbing from the roof with the help of rescue teams.
"We have more bodies that have not been recovered still under fire debris," city official Ali al-Mayahi told Reuters.
The cause of the fire was not immediately known, but the province's governor said initial results from an investigation would be announced within 48 hours, the INA state news agency reported.
"We have filed lawsuits against the owner of the building and the mall," INA quoted the governor as saying.
A lack of safety measures in Iraq has led to large death tolls in fires. In 2023, more than 100 people were killed after a fire swept through a crowded wedding hall in a northern Iraqi town.
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CNA
4 days ago
- CNA
Fire at mall in Iraq leaves at least 69 dead: Officials
BAGHDAD: A massive fire in a hypermarket in al-Kut city in eastern Iraq has left at least 69 people dead and 11 others missing, the city's health authorities and two police sources told Reuters on Thursday (Jul 17). Reuters' footage of the aftermath of the overnight fire showed the blackened exterior of the "Corniche Hypermarket" building, with rescue teams and security forces still at the site. Videos verified by Reuters showed firefighters spraying water on the blazing building overnight and people climbing from the roof with the help of rescue teams. "We have more bodies that have not been recovered still under fire debris," city official Ali al-Mayahi told Reuters. The cause of the fire was not immediately known, but the province's governor said initial results from an investigation would be announced within 48 hours, the INA state news agency reported. "We have filed lawsuits against the owner of the building and the mall," INA quoted the governor as saying. A lack of safety measures in Iraq has led to large death tolls in fires. In 2023, more than 100 people were killed after a fire swept through a crowded wedding hall in a northern Iraqi town.
Straits Times
4 days ago
- Straits Times
Fire at mall in Iraq leaves at least 60 dead, officials say
Find out what's new on ST website and app. BAGHDAD - A massive fire in a hypermarket in al-Kut city in eastern Iraq has left at least 60 people dead and 11 others missing, the city's health authorities and two police sources told Reuters on Thursday. Videos circulating on social media showed flames engulfing a five-storey building in al-Kut overnight as firefighters tried to contain the blaze. Reuters could not independently verify the videos. "We have compiled a list of 59 victims whose identities have been confirmed, but one body was so badly burned that it has been extremely difficult to identify," a city health official told Reuters. "We have more bodies that have not been recovered still under fire debris," city official Ali al-Mayahi told Reuters. The cause of the fire was not immediately known, but the province's governor said initial results from an investigation would be announced within 48 hours, the state news agency (INA)reported. "We have filed lawsuits against the owner of the building and the mall," INA quoted the governor as saying. REUTERS Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Fatal abuse of Myanmar maid in Bishan: Traffic Police officer sentenced to 10 years' jail Singapore Man charged over manufacturing DIY Kpods at Yishun home; first such case in Singapore Singapore HSA launches anti-vaping checks near 5 institutes of higher learning Singapore Kpod vapes, zombie kids: Why it's time to raise the alarm Singapore Care model to improve trauma outcome in central S'pore fashioned after 'bicycle wheel' Life 11 new entries on Singapore's Bib Gourmand list, including three re-entries at Old Airport Road Singapore 15 under police probe for sharing Singpass credentials used in scams Singapore NEA monitoring E. coli at Sentosa beaches after elevated bacteria levels delay World Aquatics events
Independent Singapore
5 days ago
- Independent Singapore
Burnt incense paper that caused Chai Chee St fire sparks debate online
SINGAPORE: A fire on Sunday morning (July 13) at Block 52 Chai Chee Street was successfully put out by firefighters from the Paya Lebar and Changi Fire Stations using a water jet. However, the incident caused seven people to require medical attention. Fortunately, none of them needed to be conveyed to the hospital. As a precautionary measure, a total of 35 people were evacuated from the premises by officers from the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF). The blaze was concentrated at the lift lobby on the 13th floor, which affected two units on the floor above with heat and soot damage. The fire began after a woman burned joss paper for Guanyin's birthday. Unfortunately, the flames spread to several items nearby, and the SCDF was called in shortly past 8:00 on Sunday morning. A resident named Mr Yang told Lianhe Zaobao that while his wife usually burns joss papers outdoors, on Sunday, she chose to perform the ritual at the lift lobby, where he usually keeps items that catch fire, including wooden cabinets and chairs. The fire also caused the power to be cut out for a few hours. Unsurprisingly, commenters online had some negative things to say about Mr Yang, 66, and his wife. A Reddit user held them both responsible for the fire: 'Mr Yang for hoarding flammable rubbish and his wife for burning incense paper next to the flammable rubbish.' 'Hope they'll be charged and made an example of,' wrote another. To this, a commenter replied: 'Entitled folks not wanting to use bin below. Let's see if they get charged or not.' Another chimed in to say, 'Honestly, those barrels should also be banned… Anyone who has ever lived on a low floor knows how bad it can get during some months. If you have no air-conditioning, your options are to choke or to choke and melt from heat.' However, one wrote the following: 'As someone who burns incense, I say times have changed, and the right way to burn incense is to go to the temple and use the ones there. See also Fire! Video of alleged loanshark harassment circulates online As well ……it is rude to burn incense at the void deck because the smoke does give people who want to dry clothes a bad time….like need to rewash.' 'I mean, in a perfect world, I would appreciate neighbours who don't burn offerings. It's not a perfect world, though, and we have to make do. I empathise with you. I'd rather they burn in the barrels than everywhere else they feel like,' a Reddit user chimed in. /TISG Read also: Jurong West landlord evicts tenant after his power bank catches fire & causes damage
