A devastating fire tore through a hypermarket in Kut, Iraq, overnight, killing 61 people and leaving the community reeling. The interior ministry confirmed the updated toll on Thursday, revising the figure from an earlier count of 50 fatalities.
According to the ministry's statement, most victims died from suffocation in bathroom areas, while 14 charred bodies remain unidentified. Emergency responders battled the blaze for hours before bringing it under control, as local hospitals received dozens of injured shoppers and staff.
Witnesses described scenes of panic as customers raced for exits and firefighters worked to clear smoke-filled corridors. Authorities have launched an investigation into the fire's cause and are under pressure to review safety protocols in crowded commercial buildings.
The tragedy in Kut underscores global concerns over fire safety in high-traffic public spaces. Experts and community leaders are calling for stronger building codes, regular drills, and better evacuation planning to prevent similar disasters in the future.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
