Kut: At least 61 people have lost their lives, and numerous others have been rescued following a catastrophic fire that engulfed a shopping center in eastern Iraq, the country's Interior Ministry reported on Thursday.

According to Philippines News Agency, the tragic incident occurred in Kut, the capital of the Wasit governorate, situated south of Baghdad. The fire led to a frantic rescue operation where over 45 individuals were saved from the blaze, although many sustained injuries. Iraq's official news agency INA, referencing a medical source, reported that the death toll has climbed to 63, with 40 others injured.

In response to the disaster, local authorities have taken legal action against the shopping center's owner, as confirmed by a statement from the governor cited by INA. Furthermore, the Interior Ministry has mandated the establishment of an investigation committee to ascertain the fire's origin, as per information from INA.