At least 61 people have been killed and several more are missing in a huge fire at a hypermarket in Kut city in eastern Iraq, according to officials. Iraqi PM Mohammad Shia al-Sudani said in a statement that he had directed the interior minister to go to the site of the fire to investigate and take measures to prevent a recurrence.

A fire at a five-storey shopping centre in Kut, eastern Iraq, has killed at least 61 people, with several others still missing. Firefighters recovered multiple bodies from the site, and families are waiting for news of their loved ones. The shopping centre had recently reopened after renovations, and the cause of the fire is under investigation. Local officials have raised concerns about the building's safety standards, and the regional governor has promised answers. The Iraqi Prime Minister has sent the interior minister to oversee the investigation and emphasized the need for improved safety to prevent future tragedies. Authorities have declared three days of mourning in the city.

Dozens dead in huge fire at hypermarket in Iraq’s Kut

Trapped on the rooftop and hoping to be rescued, as a mall in eastern Iraq caught fire on Wednesday night. Dozens of people were killed when the flames ripped through the five-storey shopping centre in the city of Al-Qutb. Several are still missing. Friends and relatives are waiting outside a hospital for any news. Firefighters reportedly recovered several bodies from the building. We came here to offer our condolences and support. We brought vehicles, water and whatever else they might need. We are at their service. May God grant them patience in the face of this tragedy that struck Al-Qutb. The shopping centre had reopened recently after undergoing renovations. The regional governor says it's unclear what caused the fire, but it's under investigation. He's promised answers within 48 hours. This place lacks occupational safety measures and I don't know how it was approved to open. Therefore we hold accountable all those who approved this building, especially since the residents have objections to it. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has sent the interior minister to the site and says it's vital to prevent more incidents like this from happening. Poor construction safety standards have previously caused fires in Iraq. In 2023, 100 people died in a wedding hall, and in 2021, a blaze at a hospital killed 60 people. Authorities have declared three days of mourning in Al-Qutb. But for families who've lost loved ones, the mourning period will last far longer. Imogen Kimber, Al Jazeera.

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