BAGHDAD: A powerful explosion erupted in a central Baghdad market on Sunday, ripping through a crowded district that has been the scene of several recent insurgent attacks that have left hundreds dead.
Defence and security sources put the initial death toll from the blast at four dead and 10 wounded, but this was expected to rise.
A single loud detonation sent a cloud of dust and smoke billowing over the skyline of the Iraqi capital above the Sadriyah market, a popular commercial centre for east Baghdad's mainly Shiite population.
Two US army Apache helicopter gunships arrived shortly after the blast and began circling over the scene.
Last month, about 140 people were killed in by a car bombing in Sadriyah, and in February 130 were slain in a near identical attack. These were the two bloodiest single attacks on civilians since the Iraq war began.
