At least 50 people have lost their lives in a devastating fire that broke out in a shopping mall in the city of Al-Kut, eastern Iraq. The incident occurred overnight, with dramatic footage circulating on social media showing flames engulfing a five-storey building as firefighters struggled to bring the blaze under control.

According to the state news agency INA, the death toll was confirmed by the provincial governor, who stated that lawsuits have been filed against both the building owner and the mall management.

Cause of Fire Still Under Investigation

The cause of the fire has not yet been officially determined. However, the governor told INA that preliminary findings from the ongoing investigation are expected to be released within 48 hours. The governor’s remarks suggest potential negligence or safety violations, which authorities are now examining closely.

The fire marks one of the deadliest incidents in Iraq in recent years involving a commercial property.