Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- In the city of Al-Hamdaniya in northern Iraq, at least 120 people were killed and at least 200 more were injured during a fire at a wedding. This was reported by Al Arabiya.

According to preliminary information, the cause of the fire was the use of pyrotechnics during a wedding ceremony. This led to a fire inside the hall where the celebration took place. Part of the room collapsed.

The Iraqi Civil Defense Authority notes that fire safety requirements were not observed at the event site. In particular, "the wedding hall was covered with flammable panels."

Judging by the accounts of eyewitnesses, the guests were trapped in a room engulfed in fire, and only a few were able to get out.

Local authorities do not rule out that as the rubble is cleared, the number of victims will increase. The Iraqi Red Crescent Organization reported that there could be 450 dead and injured.

As the Associated Press clarifies, predominantly Christians live in Al-Hamdaniya, and the fire occurred at a wedding of members of this community.