Dozens Killed in Abqaiq Wedding Fire

Dead bodies from the wedding fire covered and waiting to be identified at Abqaiq General Hospital. (Riyadh Bureau)

At least 24 people and 30 wounded in a fire at a wedding in a village near the city of Abqaiq, eastern Saudi Arabia, according to local media reports.

A high-voltage power line reportedly fell down after it was hit by celebratory gunfire, causing a fire in the courtyard of the home where the wedding was taking place.

Al-Riyadh reported that the fallen power line touched a metal door at the only exit from the courtyard, leading to many of the victims being electrocuted.

The small local hospital in Abqaiq was overwhelmed with the number victims. The hospital morgue can only taken 13 bodies. Many dead and wounded were taken to hospitals in nearby cities like Dammam and Qatif.