The death toll from a massive fire that broke out in a multi-story commercial building in Kut, a city in Iraq’s eastern Wasit province, has risen to 61. Many others remain missing, according to the country’s Interior Ministry.
News reports state that in a statement released Thursday, the Iraqi Interior Ministry said firefighters managed to rescue 45 people alive after flames engulfed a commercial building in Kut.
So far, 14 charred bodies have been recovered from the site. A local health official noted that while the identities of 59 victims have been confirmed, one body was burned so severely that it could not be identified. Videos circulating on social media show the five-story building engulfed in flames throughout the night as firefighters battled tirelessly to bring the fire under control.
Wasit Governor Mohammed al-Mayahy reported that the fire also spread to a restaurant located in the building. At the time of the fire, many people were dining with their families or shopping. Several became trapped inside the structure.
“This is a tragic disaster. A deep sorrow has descended upon us,” said Governor al-Mayahy.
He added that firefighters successfully rescued many individuals and eventually contained the blaze, though the damage was extensive. In the aftermath, a three-day mourning period has been declared, and an investigative committee has been formed.
Authorities have stated that a report on the cause of the fire will be released within the next 48 hours.
Meanwhile, the governor confirmed that legal action has been taken against the owners of the building and the market. “We are taking legal steps against those responsible. Those whose negligence caused this tragedy will not be spared,” he said.
The city of Kut now mourns under a heavy shadow of grief following this catastrophe.
Sources: Al Jazeera, CBS News, The Guardian.