What Caused the Tragic Fire in a Kut Hypermarket?
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Synopsis
The recent hypermarket fire in Kut has left a devastating mark, with the death toll climbing to 61. As investigations unfold, the community mourns the tragic loss and seeks accountability. Join us as we explore the impact of this heartbreaking event on the residents of Wasit province.
Key Takeaways
- The fire at the hypermarket in Kut has resulted in a tragic death toll of 61.
- Most victims died from smoke inhalation.
- Over 45 people were rescued from the burning structure.
- An investigation is underway to determine the cause and accountability.
- A three-day mourning period has been declared in Wasit for the victims.
Baghdad, July 17 (NationPress) The death toll from a catastrophic fire at a hypermarket in Kut, the capital of Iraq's Wasit province, has tragically increased to 61, as confirmed by the Interior Ministry on Thursday.
A significant fire erupted Wednesday night within a five-story commercial structure that housed both a restaurant and the hypermarket, which had only recently opened its doors just seven days prior, according to a statement from the Interior Ministry.
The report indicated that the majority of the 61 victims succumbed to suffocation due to the intense smoke, including 14 unidentified charred remains.
The inferno has been extinguished, and civil defense teams successfully rescued over 45 individuals trapped within the building, as noted in the statement.
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani has instructed Interior Minister Abdul Amir al-Shammari to arrive at the site of this tragic incident and initiate an immediate investigation, according to a release from al-Sudani's media office.
Furthermore, al-Sudani has ordered the deployment of a medical team to assist in treating and caring for the injured, as reported by the Xinhua news agency.
The governor of Wasit province, Mohammed Jameel al-Maihy, has declared a three-day mourning period for the victims and pledged to hold accountable anyone implicated in this tragedy, committing to publicly announce the preliminary investigation findings within 48 hours.
In a statement to the state-run Iraqi News Agency (INA), Governor Al-Mayahi expressed profound grief, stating, 'We mourn the loss of a group of our sons and daughters. This is a heartbreaking tragedy for the people of Kut and all of Wasit.'
He also assured that strict actions would be taken against those responsible for the fire. He confirmed that legal proceedings have been initiated against the building and mall owners, alongside others involved, with a pledge that preliminary investigation results would be made public within 48 hours.
'We will not show leniency toward those directly or indirectly responsible for this incident,' the governor emphasized.
The Wasit Police Command announced a full mobilization of civil defense units to combat the fire at the Corniche Hypermarket.
Earlier, Governor Al-Mayahi supervised the rescue operations as emergency teams worked tirelessly to save those trapped inside the five-story structure.
According to the Wasit Governorate office, civil defense teams successfully reached and rescued individuals who were stranded on the upper floors of the blazing building.
Videos circulating on social media depicted the building engulfed in flames as firefighters valiantly battled the inferno throughout the night.
Point of View
It is crucial to provide unbiased coverage of this tragic event that has shaken the community in Kut. The rising death toll highlights the urgent need for safety regulations in commercial buildings. Our responsibility is to ensure that the victims' stories are told and that accountability is pursued without bias.
NationPress
17/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the hypermarket fire in Kut?
The exact cause of the hypermarket fire is currently under investigation by Iraqi authorities, led by Interior Minister Abdul Amir al-Shammari.
How many people died in the fire?
The death toll has tragically risen to 61, with many victims succumbing to smoke inhalation.
What actions have the authorities taken?
Authorities have initiated an investigation and promised strict consequences for those found responsible for the tragedy.
How many people were rescued from the fire?
Over 45 individuals were successfully rescued by civil defense teams during the incident.
Is there any support for the victims' families?
Yes, a medical team has been dispatched to assist in treating the injured, and a three-day mourning period has been declared for the victims.
