Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry condoles with Iraq after deadly fire in Al-Kut

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan has extended its heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Iraq in the wake of a tragic fire at a hypermarket in the city of Al-Kut.

In an official statement posted on the ministry’s page on X (formerly Twitter) and reported by Caliber.Az, Azerbaijan’s foreign ministry expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives caused by the devastating incident.

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives in the devastating fire at the shopping mall in Kut, Iraq,” the statement reads. “We express heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims, and the Government and people of friendly Iraq. We wish patience and strength for all those grieving and a swift recovery for the injured.”

A massive fire broke out overnight at a five-storey hypermarket in Al-Kut, a city in eastern Iraq, resulting in a devastating loss of life. According to the city’s health authorities and local police sources, at least 60 people have died, and 11 others remain missing as rescue teams continue to search through the debris. Videos circulating on social media showed the building engulfed in flames, with firefighters working through the night to control the blaze, although these videos have not been independently verified by Reuters.

The city’s health official confirmed that 59 victims have been identified, but one body was severely burned, complicating identification efforts. Additional victims are believed to be trapped beneath the rubble.

The cause of the fire has not yet been determined. However, the provincial governor has stated that preliminary findings from the investigation will be released within 48 hours. Authorities have already filed lawsuits against the owner of the building and the hypermarket.

By Vugar Khalilov