New center burns in Iraq: 77 people killed

The city of Kut in Iraq has once again shaken the world with a tragedy. This week, a massive fire broke out in a shopping center located in the southeastern part of the country, which had only been open for five days. This was reported by local and international news agencies.

According to the information, the fire started on the evening of July 16. Iraq’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Emergency Services were the first to respond to the incident. The fire engulfed several floors of the shopping center, resulting in at least 77 fatalities. This number was also officially confirmed by AFP.

But that’s not all. According to official sources, dozens of people are still missing. Search and rescue operations are ongoing. Some victims' bodies were found in an unrecognizable state.

Footage broadcast by the local INA television channel shows how powerful the fire was. A clear view reveals people trapped inside the building, citizens climbing to the roof calling for help, and worse – those left without access to oxygen, facing death head-on.

Images shared on social media gave an even deeper look into the scale of the tragedy. In some videos, people are seen stuck on balconies or jumping out of windows to escape the flames. Many were taken to hospitals in critical condition.

A local doctor from Kut, Nasir al-Kurashi, said he and his family were at the shopping center intending to have dinner. “There was no electricity in our house. We just came here to eat. Suddenly, the air conditioner exploded, and the whole building caught fire. We couldn’t get out,” he said, recalling the incident.

Other witnesses also reported that the fire alarm system did not work and there were no proper evacuation routes. This contributed to the high number of casualties.

A criminal case has been officially opened against the building owner. Investigations have been launched by the prosecutor’s office and internal affairs. An additional inspection will be conducted to determine whether the building met safety and construction standards.

Currently, a sorrowful silence prevails in the city of Kut. The Wasit province government has declared a three-day mourning period for the victims. Around the shopping center, dozens of people are gathered in tears, searching for their relatives.

Officials stated that possible causes of the fire include faults in the fuel supply, failure to follow safety protocols, and high wind speeds. However, no official conclusion has been announced yet.

Citizens are demanding answers from the government. How such a massive fire could occur in a newly built, modern facility remains unclear. There are many questions, but few answers.

Among the victims were children and elderly people, which has deepened the gravity of the tragedy. In some families, multiple members – father, mother, and child – perished together.

Ambulances, doctors, and rescuers worked non-stop for 24 hours. Even after the fire was fully extinguished, traces of carbon monoxide were still detected in the building. As a result, rescuers consider entering the building still dangerous.

In recent years, safety in Iraq’s shopping centers and public places has repeatedly been criticized. This tragedy has clearly shown that urgent reforms are needed in this area. Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!