17/12/2003

18 die in Baghdad tanker explosion

Up to 18 people are reported to have been killed after a fuel tanker exploded on a busy road in Baghdad today.

Initial reports suggest that around 15 people have also been injured in the blast which occurred at a crossroads in the capital's western district of Bayaa.

A collision between the tanker and a minibus may have detonated explosives secreted on the tanker, local police sources said. Two of the dead were in the cab of the tanker.

The blaze resulting from the explosion engulfed the minibus, a pickup truck and car.

Eyewitnesses said that the tanker had been travelling a high speed in the direction of a police station before the explosion.

(gmcg)

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