A devastating fire tore through a crowded supermarket in Kut, capital of Iraq’s eastern Wasit province, early Thursday, killing nearly 50 people, according to reports from China Media Group. 🚒 The blaze erupted in the early hours, trapping shoppers and workers inside the large retail complex. Local authorities are investigating the cause, with initial reports suggesting electrical faults as a possible trigger.
💬 'This is a heartbreaking tragedy for our community,' said a resident interviewed near the charred site, where crowds gathered to mourn. Emergency crews worked for hours to contain the flames, while hospitals scrambled to treat survivors with severe burns.
🌍 The incident highlights ongoing fire safety challenges in Iraq’s urban centers, where aging infrastructure and lax regulations often compound risks. Kut, a city of over 300,000 people, last faced a major fire in 2019 when a market inferno injured dozens.
📉 While no official statement has addressed responsibility, the disaster has sparked calls for stricter safety protocols nationwide. Analysts note that Iraq’s reconstruction efforts since the ISIS conflict have prioritized security over public infrastructure upgrades—a gap now under fresh scrutiny.
