Seven family members killed in Baghdad house fire

BAGHDAD — Seven members of one family were killed Wednesday when a fire broke out in their home in the Ur neighborhood of northern Baghdad, according to security sources.

A source told 964media that an explosion was heard at around 10 a.m., followed by rapid spread of flames inside the house. Civil Defense teams arrived about 11 minutes later, but closed doors and the fact that the family was asleep at the time of the incident prevented their rescue.

Initial indications suggest the fire was caused by a faulty of an air conditioning unit. Authorities said investigations are continuing to determine the exact cause.