At least 50 dead in massive fire at shopping mall in Iraq

At least 50 people have been killed in a devastating fire that swept through a major shopping mall in the southeastern Iraqi city of Al-Kut, officials confirmed Thursday.

The blaze broke out at a hypermarket within the shopping complex, with local authorities reporting a mix of fatalities and injuries. Wasit Governor Mohammed al-Miyahi described the incident as “tragic,” confirming the death toll and ongoing rescue efforts.

“The number of victims has reached about 50 people both martyrs and injured in the tragic fire at a major shopping centre,” Governor al-Miyahi said in a statement to local media.

Videos circulating on social media showed large sections of the building engulfed in flames, with thick plumes of smoke rising into the sky. The footage has not yet been independently verified.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. According to Iraq’s state-run INA news agency, preliminary findings are expected within 48 hours.

Governor al-Miyahi also said legal action is being taken in response to the incident. “We have filed lawsuits against the owner of the building and the mall,” he told INA.

Emergency crews were still working at the scene as of Thursday afternoon, and the number of casualties may rise as recovery operations continue.