Al-Kut, Iraq — A massive fire that broke out at the recently inaugurated Al-Kut Hypermarket in Iraq’s Wasit province has claimed the lives of at least 50 people, with emergency response teams continuing rescue operations late into the evening. The shopping center, located in the city of Al-Kut, had quickly gained popularity after its grand opening just days ago.
According to international news agency AFP and local reports, the inferno engulfed the hypermarket on Wednesday night, sending huge columns of smoke into the sky and reducing large sections of the structure to charred debris. Shocking videos circulating on social media show intense flames consuming the building as desperate attempts were made to evacuate shoppers and staff.
While the exact cause of the fire remains under investigation, eyewitnesses claim the blaze began in the grocery section and quickly spread due to flammable materials stored inside. Local officials have yet to issue a formal statement identifying the trigger, but initial reports suggest the fire’s rapid escalation left little time for a safe evacuation.
Scenes of chaos unfolded as hundreds tried to flee the sprawling commercial center, which had been operating at near full capacity at the time of the incident. “People were screaming and running; many were trapped inside,” recounted one survivor. Fire crews and emergency medical personnel rushed to the site, pulling survivors from the rubble and battling intense heat and smoke.
Dozens of people are currently being treated for severe burns and smoke inhalation at nearby hospitals. Authorities have warned that the death toll may increase as rescue workers comb through the smoldering remains of the structure.
The Iraqi government has promised a thorough investigation into the incident. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani expressed deep condolences to the victims’ families and has reportedly instructed the Ministry of Interior to oversee rescue and relief operations on an emergency footing.
This devastating tragedy has shocked the nation and raised concerns over building safety protocols and emergency preparedness in commercial establishments. As families mourn and search for missing loved ones, questions remain about whether this tragedy could have been prevented.
Rescue operations are expected to continue through the night.
