At least 69 dead in fire at newly opened hypermarket in eastern Iraq

In Iraq, at least 69 people died when a massive fire ravaged a newly opened hypermarket in al-Kut City in the east of the country.

The blaze began on the perfume and cosmetics floor and rapidly took over the five-story shopping center overnight on July 16.

Rescue teams managed to save individuals, but dozens are still missing or buried under debris.

The Iraqi Prime Minister has ordered a high-level investigation into the cause of the fire, and the regional governor declared three days of mourning.