At least 60 people have died and several others remain missing after a massive fire swept through a hypermarket in Kut city, eastern Iraq, local health authorities and police sources told Reuters.
According to a health official, 59 victims have been identified so far, but one body was so severely burned that identification has been difficult. City official Ali al-Mayahi said more bodies are still trapped under the debris.
Videos circulating on social media showed flames engulfing the five-storey building overnight as firefighters battled to control the blaze. Mohammed al-Mayahi, the governor of Wasit province, said the fire broke out in a hypermarket and a restaurant while families were shopping and dining.
Firefighters managed to rescue several people and eventually extinguished the fire. Authorities have declared three days of mourning, and an investigation has been launched with results expected within 48 hours.
