A catastrophic fire ripped through the newly opened Corniche Hypermarket Mall in Kut, southeastern Iraq, late Wednesday night, claiming at least 55 lives and injuring dozens, according to state media and local officials.

The blaze, which was brought under control in the early hours of Thursday, has left the city reeling in what has been called a national tragedy.

The multi-storey commercial complex, which opened just five days ago, was engulfed in flames, with footage showing towering infernos and thick smoke billowing from multiple floors. Social media clips captured the horror, including trapped individuals on the rooftop as firefighters battled the blaze below. The mall’s interior is now a gutted, blackened ruin, with much of its structure collapsed.

Emergency crews continue to search the charred remains for victims, as several people remain missing. Ambulances transported the injured to local hospitals until 04:00 local time, with medical teams treating severe burns and smoke inhalation cases. Governor Mohammed al-Miyahi confirmed that firefighting teams rescued several people, though many sustained serious injuries.

“This is a tragedy and a calamity,” al-Miyahi told local media, vowing legal action against the mall’s owner for potential negligence. An official investigation into the fire’s cause is underway, with preliminary findings expected within 48 hours.

The disaster has sparked public mourning in Kut, located 160 kilometers southeast of Baghdad, and raised urgent questions about fire safety standards and regulatory oversight in Iraq’s commercial buildings, particularly in newly constructed complexes.

As the community grieves, authorities are under pressure to address safety lapses and prevent future tragedies. (ILKHA)