A massive fire in a hypermarket in Kut, the capital of Iraq's Wasit Province, has left at least 69 people dead and 11 others missing, the city's health authorities and two police sources told Reuters on Thursday.

The fire broke out Wednesday night in a five-story commercial building housing a restaurant and the hypermarket, which had only been open for seven days, according to a statement by the Interior Ministry.

The fire has been brought under control and civil defense teams managed to rescue over 45 people trapped inside the building, the statement added.

Reuters' footage of the aftermath of the overnight fire showed the blackened exterior of "Corniche Hypermarket" building, with rescue teams and security forces still at the site.

Videos verified by Reuters showed firefighters spraying water on the blazing building overnight and people climbing down from the roof with the help of rescue teams.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani has directed Interior Minister Abdul Amir al-Shammari to arrive at the scene of the tragic fire and launch an immediate investigation into the incident, said a statement released by al-Sudani's media office.

Al-Sudani has also ordered the dispatch of a medical team to support efforts in treating and caring for the injured, said the statement.

Wasit's Provincial Governor Mohammed Jameel al-Maihy has announced three days of mourning for the victims and vowed not to be lenient with anyone responsible for this incident, pledging to "announce the preliminary investigation results to the public within 48 hours."

A lack of safety measures in Iraq has led to large death tolls in fires. In 2023, more than 100 people were killed after a fire swept through a crowded wedding hall in a northern Iraqi town.

(With input from agencies)