A devastating fire at a newly opened hypermarket in Kut, Iraq, has claimed at least 69 lives, with 11 people still missing, officials confirmed Thursday. The blaze erupted Wednesday night in a five-story commercial building housing a restaurant and the Corniche Hypermarket, which had welcomed customers for just one week. 🚨
Iraqi civil defense teams battled flames through the night, rescuing over 45 trapped individuals. Verified videos show firefighters dousing the inferno and daring rooftop evacuations. 📹 "The fire is under control, but the damage is catastrophic," an Interior Ministry statement said.
Reuters footage reveals the building’s charred exterior, with emergency crews still searching for survivors. Authorities have not yet identified the cause of the fire. Local police described the scene as "chaotic" as families scrambled to escape smoke-filled floors. 🚒
This tragedy highlights urgent questions about fire safety standards in commercial spaces. As global youth, we’re reminded how quickly everyday moments can turn perilous. Our hearts go out to affected families. 💔
