Region | Iraq
Bomb strikes Shiite market in Baghdad, killing 69
A bomb has ripped through a crowded market in Baghdad's main Shiite district, killing at least 69 people and wounding more than 100 less than a week before a deadline for US combat troops to leave Iraq's urban areas.
- Reuters
- Published: 23:03 June 24, 2009
Baghdad: A bomb has ripped through a crowded market in Baghdad's main Shiite district, killing at least 69 people and wounding more than 100 less than a week before a deadline for US combat troops to leave Iraq's urban areas.
The bomb, which was hidden under vegetables on a motorized pushcart, exploded about 7 p.m. Wednesday, apparently timed to maximize casualties by striking shoppers buying food for their evening meal at the Mradi market in Sadr City.
A witness said the explosion tore through a part of the Mraidi Market where birds are sold, setting stalls ablaze.
Raad Latif, who owns a shop near the blast site, said the bomb appeared to have been on a trailer attached to a motorcycle.
"The blast was very big and loud. After we heard it, we closed our shops and rushed to help the injured," Latif said.
Initially the security forces kept residents back to allow ambulances and police vehicles into the area, he said.
As is usual after bombings in Iraq, there were conflicting death tolls, as victims were taken to several hospitals.
An Interior Ministry official said 69 people were killed and 135 wounded, while police and hospital officials in Sadr City put the death toll at 72.
The officials spoke on condition of anonymity.
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