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Reuters
17-07-2025
- Reuters
Fire at Iraq mall kills 69, prime minister orders probe
BAGHDAD, July 17 (Reuters) - A massive fire in a hypermarket in al-Kut city in southern 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. Reuters' footage of the aftermath of the overnight fire showed the blackened exterior of "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 an initial police report suggested that the fire had first erupted on the floor where perfumes and cosmetics are sold. "Raging fires trapped many people inside the mall, and everyone was desperately trying to find a way out," said Ali Al-Zargani, whose house is next to the market building and who entered the premises after the fire had subsided. "I saw the charred bodies of children and women lying on the ground — it was a horrifying scene." While some of the bodies were prepared for burial, with mourners weeping and praying over the coffins, the remains of more than 15 severely burned victims required DNA testing for identification, a Reuters witness said. As rescuers combed the smoke-charred building for more bodies, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani ordered an immediate investigation to "uncover any shortcomings", his office said in a statement. A statement from his office called for national mourning. The provincial 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 town.
UAE Moments
17-07-2025
- UAE Moments
69 Dead in Iraq Mall Fire: Rescue Ongoing, Cause Unknown
A massive fire broke out overnight at the Corniche Hypermarket in al-Kut, eastern Iraq, leaving at least 69 people dead and 11 more missing, according to local health authorities and police. When rescue teams arrived, flames were still raging and people were seen climbing off the roof with help from emergency workers. By morning, the building's exterior was scorched black as firefighters continued their work. Cause of fire still unclear Authorities haven't confirmed what started the fire just yet. The province's governor said that early findings from the investigation will be released within 48 hours, according to Iraq's state news agency INA. Meanwhile, lawsuits have already been filed against the building and mall owners as the city continues to search through the debris for more victims. Fires like this aren't new in Iraq This tragedy adds to a worrying pattern. In 2023, over 100 people were killed when a wedding hall caught fire in northern Iraq — a harsh reminder of the country's ongoing struggles with safety standards.
CNA
17-07-2025
- 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.
The Independent
17-07-2025
- The Independent
Children among 61 dead in Iraq shopping mall blaze
A fire at a newly opened shopping mall in al-Kut, eastern Iraq, has resulted in the deaths of over 60 people, including women and children. Iraqi officials confirmed 61 fatalities, with most succumbing to suffocation, and 14 bodies remaining unidentified due to severe charring. Civil defence teams successfully rescued more than 45 individuals from the five-storey complex, which had only been open for a week. Provincial governor Mohammed al-Mayyeh declared three days of mourning and stated that legal cases have been filed against the building and mall owners as the cause is investigated. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about poor building standards in Iraq, following previous deadly fires in hospitals and wedding halls.
The Independent
17-07-2025
- The Independent
Huge blaze rips through Iraq shopping mall killing at least 61 with dozens more missing
A huge blaze erupted at a newly-opened shopping centre in Iraq on Wednesday (16 July), leaving at least 61 people dead and several more missing. Footage shows flames engulfing the five-story building situated in al-Kut, with emergency service workers attending the scene as black smoke rises. The Ministry of Interior has reported that some 14 bodies were so badly charred that they remain unidentified. The cause of the fire at the mall, which was only opened last week, is not yet known, though the province's governor said that findings from an initial investigation would be released in 48 hours.
