Dramatic visuals are emerging from eastern Iraq, where a massive fire broke out in a hypermarket located in a busy city area. The incident caused widespread panic, as dozens of customers and staff were inside the building when the flames erupted.The cause of the fire remains under investigation, but early reports suggest it may have started due to an electrical short-circuit or flammable material in the storage section. As the flames quickly spread, thick black smoke engulfed the multi-storey shopping complex, making evacuation extremely difficult.Emergency response teams rushed to the scene, deploying fire brigades, ambulances, and rescue units to assist trapped individuals. Local footage shows terrified shoppers being evacuated through smoke-filled corridors, while firefighters battled the intense blaze from multiple directions.Authorities are yet to confirm the total number of casualties or injuries, though several people are believed to be hospitalized due to smoke inhalation or burns.This tragedy has once again highlighted serious lapses in fire safety protocols in commercial spaces across Iraq, with citizens demanding strict accountability and reforms.
