Iraq blast: Death toll rises to 78

Two bombs exploded seconds apart in a predominantly Shiite commercial area in central Baghdad today, killing at least 78 people and wounding at least 156, said Iraqi police and Deputy Health Minister Hakim al-Zamili.

The first blast occurred shortly after noon local time when a bomb left in a bag placed among the stalls of vendors selling DVDs and second-hand clothes exploded in the Bab al-Sharqi area between Tayaran and Tahrir squares. It was followed almost immediately by a parked car bomb just yards away.