Massive Fire at Iraq’s Kut Hypermarket Leaves 50 Dead or Injured

Report by “Safarti Tarjuman” International News Desk

KUT, IRAQ – A massive overnight blaze at a hypermarket and adjoining restaurant in Kut, the capital of Iraq’s Wasit Province, has left at least 50 people dead or injured, prompting national mourning and criminal investigations, local authorities confirmed Thursday.

According to the Iraqi News Agency (INA), the fire broke out late Wednesday in a five-storey commercial complex during peak hours, when families were shopping and dining. The building, located in a densely populated area of the eastern city, was quickly engulfed in flames.

Wasit Governor Mohammed al-Mayahi described the disaster as a “tragedy and a calamity,” confirming that lawsuits have been filed against both the mall owner and the building’s management.

“We were struck by a tragedy and a calamity. Families were having dinner and shopping when this disaster struck,” al-Mayahi told INA.

Videos circulating on social media show dramatic footage of the fire lighting up the night sky, with firefighters battling to control the blaze and rescue those trapped inside.

In response to the tragic loss of life, officials have declared **three days of mourning** across Wasit province. A full-scale investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire, with **initial findings expected within 48 hours**.

Authorities have confirmed that **criminal charges** may follow if negligence is found.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as families attempted to flee the burning structure. Emergency responders were able to rescue multiple individuals, although the full extent of injuries is still being assessed.

Unconfirmed reports suggest that blocked emergency exits and lack of fire safety measures may have contributed to the scale of the tragedy. Authorities have not yet verified these claims but have pledged transparency in the investigative process.

Thank you for reading! For comprehensive news coverage and exclusive stories, visit SafartiTarjuman.com