Iraq: Tragic fire at a shopping mall leaves 50 dead and injured

Around 50 people were killed or injured in a fire at a shopping centre in the eastern Iraqi city of Kut.

The fire at the Hyper Mall, which had been open for only five days, broke out late yesterday evening, as the governor of Wasit province, Mohammed al-Miyahi, told the official INA news agency.

The causes of the flames remain unknown at this time.

Ambulances continued to transport victims until 4 a.m. , filling beds at a hospital in Kut, about 160 km (100 miles) southeast of Baghdad.

The governor declared three days of mourning in the province and said local authorities will take legal action against the owner of the building and the shopping center.

(Unioneonline/vl)