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Damascus blast hits pilgrim bus | Damascus blast hits pilgrim bus |
(42 minutes later) | |
An explosion in the Syrian capital Damascus has hit a crowded bus carrying Iranian pilgrims, with three people killed, officials say. | |
The blast occurred at a petrol station. The Syrian interior minister said it was "not a terrorist act" - a burst tyre had caused the blast. | |
The explosion took place near the Sayyida Zeinab shrine for Shia Muslims. | |
Last year a car bomb killed 17 people on a road leading to the site. The attack was blamed on Sunni militants. | |
SAYYIDA ZEINAB SHRINE Located 10km (six miles) from centre of DamascusHolds body of Zeinab, granddaughter of ProphetMore than 1.5 million visitors annuallyMosque interior considered among most beautiful in Muslim world | |
After the latest explosion, a local correspondent for Iran News Network (Irinn) said the bus had blown up while refuelling. | After the latest explosion, a local correspondent for Iran News Network (Irinn) said the bus had blown up while refuelling. |
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." |
An earlier report suggested a gas bottle carried by the pilgrims in their luggage had exploded. | |
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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