Nearly 50 people lost their lives when a fire tore through a large supermarket in Kut, the capital of Wasit province in eastern Iraq, early Thursday morning. China Media Group reported the fatalities, while details on the full toll and the blaze's cause remain limited.
The incident has shocked the residents of Kut, where the unexpected inferno in a busy shopping venue has raised concerns about safety in public spaces across the region.
The tragedy highlights the critical importance of robust fire safety protocols in high-traffic venues, from regular inspections to emergency response planning.
Our hearts go out to the families and friends affected by this devastating event. We will continue to follow the story and share updates as more information becomes available.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com