A fire at a newly opened shopping mall in Kut, Iraq, has killed at least 60 people and injured many more, with officials blaming poor safety measures as investigations begin.
nvn news
Thu Jul 17 2025
A huge fire tore through a five-storey shopping mall in Kut, Iraq, killing at least 60 people and injuring many more, officials said. The Corniche Hypermarket, which opened just a week ago, caught fire on Wednesday night.
The Interior Ministry said most victims died from suffocation in bathrooms, while 14 bodies remain unidentified. About 45 people were rescued, but several are still missing.
Witnesses reported that the fire started after an air conditioner exploded. Survivors and relatives accused the mall of lacking a fire safety system.
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani expressed condolences and ordered an immediate investigation.
Deadly fires are common in Iraq due to poor safety standards. In recent years, similar tragedies have killed dozens, including a wedding hall fire in 2023 and a hospital blaze in 2021.
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