Baghdad, Oct 25 (IANS) At least 132 people were killed and over 500 others injured when two trucks packed with explosives detonated in quick succession in the heart of the Iraqi capital Sunday, the interior ministry said.
“According to latest reports, up to 132 people were killed and 512 others were injured in the massive explosions in downtown Baghdad,” an official told Xinhua requesting anonymity.

Earlier, the official put the toll at 62 killed and 180 injured.

The attack was the second largest to target government buildings in Baghdad after the deadly blasts near two Iraqi ministries Aug 19, in which dozens of people were killed and injured.

The first explosion occurred at about 10.30 a.m. when a suicide bomber detonated an explosives-filled truck near the Iraqi justice ministry in Salhiyah district of the city.

The explosion killed several people and damaged many buildings in the area. Body parts were seen scattered across the place after the blast. Dozens of cars were also destroyed.

The blast occurred close to Mansour Hotel where the staff of many foreign media organisations and companies live.

The second explosion occurred near the Baghdad Provincial Council building, just 500 meters away from the site of the first blast, when another truckload of explosives was detonated.

Thick plume of black smoke was seen rising from the buildings near the blast scenes as fire tenders rushed to the area to douse the fire.

The security forces have cordoned off the area.