In the bustling city of Kut, an unexpected tragedy struck late Wednesday when a fire broke out in a newly opened five-story building housing Corniche Hypermarket and a restaurant. According to the city's health authorities and two police sources, at least 69 people lost their lives and 11 remain missing.
The blaze ignited on the building's upper floors and quickly spread through the hypermarket, which had only been operating for seven days. Civil defense teams worked overnight to control the fire, rescuing over 45 individuals trapped inside.
Footage verified by Reuters showed firefighters dousing the flames and rescue crews helping people descend from the roof to safety. The charred exterior of the Corniche Hypermarket stands as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by lapses in building safety and emergency preparedness.
While the cause of the fire is still under investigation, officials say measures are being taken to support victims' families and review safety protocols in commercial buildings across Iraq's Wasit Province.
As global cities grow and modernize, this tragedy highlights the urgent need for robust fire safety standards and rapid-response systems: lessons that resonate from Kut to capitals around the world.
- 69 confirmed dead, 11 missing.
- Building opened just seven days prior.
- Over 45 people rescued by civil defense teams.
- Investigation into safety failures underway.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
