55 killed as deadly fire rips through shopping centre in Iraq

A fire that tore through a shopping centre in the Iraqi city of Kut has left dozens dead and injured, state media has reported, BBC reported.

The blaze at the mall, which had reportedly opened five days ago, broke out on Wednesday night and has since been brought under control.

Medical officials quoted by news agency AFP said 55 people died in the fire, with rescuers still looking for missing people.

"A tragedy and a calamity has befallen us," regional governor Mohammed al-Miyahi said, adding that legal action would be brought against the shopping centre's owner, according to BBC.