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Damascus blast hits pilgrim bus | Damascus blast hits pilgrim bus |
(20 minutes later) | |
An explosion in the Syrian capital Damascus has hit a crowded bus carrying Iranian pilgrims, with at least six deaths and dozens of injuries reported. | An explosion in the Syrian capital Damascus has hit a crowded bus carrying Iranian pilgrims, with at least six deaths and dozens of injuries reported. |
The cause of the blast is unclear. It took place at a petrol station near a shrine popular with Shia Muslims. | |
Such incidents are rare in Syria, but there was one major attack last year. | Such incidents are rare in Syria, but there was one major attack last year. |
In September 2008 a car bomb killed 17 people on a road leading to the same site, the al-Sayyida Zeinab shrine. The attack was blamed on Sunni militants. | |
After the latest explosion, a local correspondent for Iran News Network (Irinn) said the bus had blown up while refuelling. | |
He said two Iranian nationals, the driver and his assistant, as well as four Syrian workers at the petrol station were killed. | |
One eyewitness told Reuters news agency: "Body parts are still scattered around the bus." | One eyewitness told Reuters news agency: "Body parts are still scattered around the bus." |
One report suggested the blast could have been caused by a gas bottle carried by the pilgrims in their luggage. | One report suggested the blast could have been caused by a gas bottle carried by the pilgrims in their luggage. |
The al-Sayyida Zeinab shrine, popular with Iranian pilgrims, is dedicated to the granddaughter of the Prophet Muhammad. | The al-Sayyida Zeinab shrine, popular with Iranian pilgrims, is dedicated to the granddaughter of the Prophet Muhammad. |
Are you in Damascus? Did you witness the explosion? Send us your comments, pictures and videos. | Are you in Damascus? Did you witness the explosion? Send us your comments, pictures and videos. |
Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk, text them to 61124 or you have a large file you can upload here. | Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk, text them to 61124 or you have a large file you can upload here. |
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