Fire in Iraq Shopping Mall – At Least 50 Dead: Governor
Kut, Irqa – 17 July – (www.deccanlive.com): According to state media on Thursday, a tragic fire broke out in a shopping mall in the eastern Iraqi city of Kut, resulting in the deaths and injuries of nearly 50 people.
Wasit Province Governor, Mohammed Al-Mayahy, told the official INA news agency that the fire occurred on Wednesday night in a large shopping center. He said that the total number of affected people—those who died and those who were injured—has reached about 50.
The cause of the fire in the Hyper Mall is still unknown.
Ambulances were seen transporting injured people and bodies to a hospital in Kut, located about 160 kilometers (100 miles) southeast of Baghdad. By 4:00 AM, the hospital beds were full.
According to a reporter from AFP (Agence France-Presse), the shopping mall had opened just five days ago. Initial reports suggest the fire started on the first floor.
The reporter also confirmed that burned bodies were seen at the hospital.
Governor Mayahy has announced a three-day mourning period in the province and stated that legal action will be taken against the mall’s owner and the building’s management.
