More than 100 killed in wedding fire in northern Iraq

A fire at a wedding in northern Iraq has killed at least 100 people and left more than 150 injured, according to state media. 

Early reports suggest the fire broke out after fireworks were lit, but there has been no official confirmation as to what caused the blaze. 

Photos circulating on social media show the charred remains of the event hall in Qaraqosh in Iraq’s Nineveh province. Officials say that flammable panels in the venue may have fuelled the flames, causing it to spread quickly. 

The newly married couple are said to be among those killed. 

Nine employees at the wedding hall have been arrested, according to an Iraqi official, and Major General Saad Maan said further arrest warrants have been issued against four other employees.

He says the reasons for the tragedy were “the lack of health and safety measures, the flammable materials used in the building and apparently an indoor firework”.

The Iraqi prime minister has declared three days of national mourning.