KUT, July 18 (V7N) – A devastating fire broke out late on Wednesday night at a multi-story shopping mall in Kut, southeastern Iraq, killing at least 69 people and injuring dozens more. According to the Iraqi state news agency INA, over 45 individuals were rescued alive from the burning building.
 
The fire reportedly began on the first floor, where an air conditioning unit is believed to have exploded, triggering a rapid spread of flames throughout the five-story structure. The exact cause remains under investigation, though authorities have confirmed that an electrical fault or equipment malfunction may have been involved.
 
Witnesses described scenes of chaos and panic as people rushed to escape the smoke-filled corridors. Emergency services struggled to reach some areas of the building, while firefighters battled the blaze for hours before bringing it under control. Search and recovery operations continued into the early hours of Thursday morning.
 
Hospitals and morgues in the region were overwhelmed as families gathered in search of missing loved ones. Health officials reported that several bodies were badly burned, making identification difficult. Many survivors sustained injuries ranging from burns to smoke inhalation and are receiving treatment at nearby medical centers.
 
This is one of the deadliest structural fires in Iraq in recent years. The incident has raised concerns about safety protocols in commercial buildings, particularly regarding fire prevention systems and emergency response infrastructure.
 
Iraqi authorities have pledged a full investigation into the tragedy. Meanwhile, national leaders offered condolences to the victims’ families, and civil defense teams continue to survey the site for any further survivors or casualties.
 
END/WD/AJ/