Fire in Iraqi shopping centre kills over 70

A fire in a shopping centre in Iraq’s eastern city of al-Kut, has killed more than 70 people, highlighting negligence in building safety, The New Arab reported on July 18th.

At least 40 other people suffered injuries due to the fire, which started late on July 16th at Corniche Hyper Mall. The shopping centre had only opened days before the fire started and was reportedly operating with no official permits.

The investor did not hold a legal building or investment licence and had converted the property from a restaurant into a hypermarket with no approval, according to Wasit Governor Mohammed Jamil al-Miahi.

The New Arab