A massive fire that broke out overnight at a hypermarket in al-Kut city, eastern Iraq, has killed at least 69 people and left 11 others missing, according to the city’s health authorities and two police sources who spoke to Reuters on Thursday.

Footage captured by Reuters showed the charred remains of the “Corniche Hypermarket” building as rescue teams and security forces continued their operations at the scene.

Verified videos showed firefighters battling the flames through the night and rescue teams assisting people climbing down from the roof to safety.

City official Ali al-Mayahi told Reuters, “We have more bodies that have not been recovered still under fire debris.”

While the exact cause of the fire remains unknown, INA state news agency reported that the governor of the province has promised preliminary results of the investigation within 48 hours.

“We have filed lawsuits against the owner of the building and the mall,” the governor was quoted as saying by INA.

Deadly fires are not uncommon in Iraq, where poor safety standards and enforcement have led to numerous tragedies. In 2023, more than 100 people were killed when a fire engulfed a packed wedding hall in a northern Iraqi town.

Faridah Abdulkadiri

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