Corniche Fire Death Tolls Iraq Hypermarket Increases To 69 People

UNSPLASH/Hermes Rivera ILLUSTRATION

JAKARTA - The total death toll from a violent hypermarket fire in al-Kute, southern Iraq, has now grown to 69. Eleven other people are still missing.

The rest of the fire last night left a black jelaga on the outside of the "Corpiche Hypermarket" building.

Firefighters sprayed water into the burning building throughout the night and people climbed from the roof with the help of the rescue team.

"We have more bodies that have not been found, still buried by the rubble of buildings," city Ali al-Madahi told Reuters on Thursday, July 17.

The cause of the fire is not yet known for certain, but the police's initial report showed the fire first blazing on the floor where perfume and cosmetics were sold.

"The blazing fire trapped many people inside the mall, and everyone was desperately trying to find a way out," said Ali Al-Zargani, whose house was next to the market building and entered the location after the fire subsided.

Last night's fire in a shopping center killed dozens of people, in al-Kute.

"I saw the bodies of the children and women who were charred lying on the ground a terrible sight," he said.

A number of bodies were prepared for burial, with mourners crying and praying on the coffin.

More than 15 bodies with severe burns require DNA tests for identification.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani ordered an immediate investigation to "reveal all deficiencies," his office said in a statement.

The provincial governor said the initial results of the investigation would be announced within 48 hours, state news agency INA reported.

"We have filed a lawsuit against the owner of the building and mall," he said.

The lack of security measures in Iraq has left many victims dead in the fire.

In 2023, more than 100 people died after fires hit a crowded wedding building in a city in the north.