Baghdad ministry blast kills 6

Baghdad: A blast at an Iraqi ministry during a ceremony attended by Vice President Adel Abdul Mahdi killed six people on Monday.

The vice president was slightly wounded by the blast at the Public Works Ministry building, an official said.

"We know he has been sent to hospital but it's a natural checkup," the official said.

Police said 31 people were wounded in the blast. Other officials, including the minister, were also present.

A ministry employee said it appeared a mortar round had hit the building.