A devastating fire tore through a wedding celebration in Iraq’s northern Nineveh province, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 113 lives and over 150 individuals injured, as reported by local authorities and emergency services.

According to information from the BBC, Nineveh Deputy Governor Hassan al-Allaq confirmed the death toll at 113 thus far.

The fire ignited on Tuesday night at approximately 10:45 pm local time (19:45 GMT).

Najim al-Jubouri, the provincial governor of Nineveh, issued a cautionary statement on Wednesday, indicating that the final count of casualties from the blaze has yet to be determined, raising concerns that the death toll may continue to rise.

Iraq’s Health Ministry spokesman, Saif al-Badr, reassured that all possible efforts are underway to assist those affected by this tragic incident.

Preliminary reports from Iraq’s civil defense authorities suggested that fireworks may have triggered the fire during the wedding celebration. 

A statement released early on Wednesday stated, “Initial information suggests that fireworks were employed during the wedding, leading to a fire within the venue.”