A devastating fire engulfed a multi-storey hypermarket in Kut, a city in eastern Iraq, late Wednesday night, leaving at least 61 people dead and many others injured or unaccounted for. The inferno broke out in a commercial complex that housed a hypermarket and a restaurant, where numerous families had gathered to dine and shop. According to Iraq’s Interior Ministry, 14 severely charred bodies were recovered from the site, and civil defense teams managed to rescue at least 45 individuals trapped inside. One victim’s body was reportedly so badly burned that it remains unidentified, highlighting the intensity of the blaze.

Videos circulating on social media captured the harrowing scene — massive flames leaping from the five-storey building as firefighters battled the fire through the night. Mohammed al-Mayahi, the governor of Wasit province, described the incident as a national tragedy and a “calamity” that struck when families were simply enjoying an evening out. The exact cause of the fire remains unknown, but authorities have launched a full investigation and promised to release findings within 48 hours. Lawsuits have already been filed against the building and mall owners amid concerns of possible safety violations or negligence.

In the wake of the tragedy, Iraq has declared three days of mourning across the country. Emergency crews continue to search the ruins for potential survivors or additional victims, while health officials work to identify the deceased and support affected families. The fire has reignited public outcry over building safety standards and emergency preparedness in the country’s commercial spaces. The scale of the disaster has drawn national and international attention, with many calling for swift justice and long-term reforms to prevent such catastrophes in the future.