The intense fire that ravaged the Corniche Hypermarket Mall in the Iraqi city of Kut has left at least 55 individuals dead and numerous others injured. The blaze erupted just five days after the mall's grand opening, shocking the local community and instigating an immediate investigation into its cause.
The tragic incident began on Wednesday night, with eyewitnesses reporting that an explosion of an air conditioner on the second floor triggered the rapid spread of flames. Dr. Nasir al-Quraishi, who lost five family members in the incident, recounted how a simple outing for dinner turned into a nightmare as they became trapped within the building. "A disaster has befallen us," he lamented, highlighting the suddenness of the fire.
Local officials, including regional governor Mohammed al-Miyahi, expressed their disbelief and sorrow over the loss of life. As rescuers continue to search for missing individuals amid the debris, al-Miyahi emphasized the critical need for a thorough evaluation of safety standards in public spaces to prevent future tragedies. "A serious review of all safety measures" will be undertaken, he stated.
Footage shared by viewers showed flames enveloping several floors of the shopping center while firefighters worked painstakingly to extinguish the inferno. As ambulances transported casualties to local hospitals, the community braced itself for the aftermath of this catastrophic event.
With investigations underway, preliminary findings are expected soon, and legal actions against the shopping center owner are anticipated. The Corniche Hypermarket Mall, though recently inaugurated, has now become a site of mourning for many families in Kut as they process this tragic calamity.
The tragic incident began on Wednesday night, with eyewitnesses reporting that an explosion of an air conditioner on the second floor triggered the rapid spread of flames. Dr. Nasir al-Quraishi, who lost five family members in the incident, recounted how a simple outing for dinner turned into a nightmare as they became trapped within the building. "A disaster has befallen us," he lamented, highlighting the suddenness of the fire.
Local officials, including regional governor Mohammed al-Miyahi, expressed their disbelief and sorrow over the loss of life. As rescuers continue to search for missing individuals amid the debris, al-Miyahi emphasized the critical need for a thorough evaluation of safety standards in public spaces to prevent future tragedies. "A serious review of all safety measures" will be undertaken, he stated.
Footage shared by viewers showed flames enveloping several floors of the shopping center while firefighters worked painstakingly to extinguish the inferno. As ambulances transported casualties to local hospitals, the community braced itself for the aftermath of this catastrophic event.
With investigations underway, preliminary findings are expected soon, and legal actions against the shopping center owner are anticipated. The Corniche Hypermarket Mall, though recently inaugurated, has now become a site of mourning for many families in Kut as they process this tragic calamity.
