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Disaster in Iraq: 61 dead after fire breaks out

A catastrophic fire broke out last night in a five-story commercial center in the city of Al-Kut, south of Baghdad. According to Iraq’s Ministry of Interior, the fire claimed the lives of 61 people, many of whom suffocated due to thick smoke. Civil defense teams managed to rescue more than 45 people trapped inside the building.The hypermarket and restaurant, which had been operating in the center for just one week, turned into a scene of tragedy. Iraq’s Interior Minister ordered the establishment of an investigation committee.The governor of Wasit province declared three days of mourning and pledged to release the preliminary investigation findings within 48 hours.