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The joy of a wedding turned to tragedy when a giant fire broke out at a reception in northern Iraq. More than 100 people have been killed and at least 150 injured, and officials say they expect those figures to rise.

Some 700 people were at the wedding in a large indoor hall the northern Iraqi town of Al-Hamda-niyah. Among those who died were the bride and groom. Local media say the building had been covered in cladding which, they say, was highly flammable.

Iraqi journalist Blesa Shaways works in Erbil 70km away, where the victims are being brought for urgent medical attention as he told Newsday.

"Some of those who attended said it was caused by fireworks, others said it came from the roof. But we are sure it was not a terrorist attack."

"Most of the victims have been transferred to regional hospitals. Local officials blame the Iraqi government for not improving the medical system."

(Pic: An emergency worker walks over rubble following a fatal fire at a wedding celebration in Iraq; Credit: Reuters)

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