A massive fire swept through a newly inaugurated five-story hypermarket in the city of al-Kut, Iraq, overnight on July 16–17, leaving at least 60 people dead and several others missing. The blaze broke out in the commercial complex just days after its grand opening, raising serious questions about safety standards and enforcement of building regulations.

Rescue operations continued through the night and into the next day, with emergency crews battling intense flames while trying to evacuate people trapped inside. Eyewitness videos captured the terrifying scene, showing people scrambling for safety as fire consumed large portions of the building.

The Governor of Wasit province, Mohammed al-Miyahi, confirmed that 59 victims have been formally identified, while one body remains unrecognizable due to severe burns. Authorities also reported that 11 individuals are still missing, and dozens of others have been hospitalized with injuries.

In response to the disaster, the governor declared a three-day period of official mourning and announced that legal proceedings had been initiated against the building's owner. Preliminary findings from the ongoing investigation are expected within 48 hours, according to officials. The governor also emphasized the need for a thorough inquiry into the cause of the fire and possible lapses in safety compliance.

Initial reports suggest that the hypermarket had opened only five days before the incident, intensifying scrutiny over whether the structure met adequate fire safety codes. Many in Iraq have expressed outrage on social media, drawing comparisons to past tragedies such as the 2023 wedding hall fire in Qaraqosh, which was also linked to weak enforcement of building safety regulations.

As the country reels from the scale of this latest catastrophe, calls are mounting for stricter inspections and accountability in construction practices, particularly for newly built public facilities. Authorities are expected to conduct a broader review of fire safety measures across commercial properties in the coming weeks.

The full extent of the damage and final death toll are yet to be confirmed as search and recovery operations continue in the charred remains of the building.