Iraq Tanker Blast Leaks Toxic Gas

Al Jazeera   TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2007

At least five people have been killed and more than 100 injured when a chlorine gas tanker exploded north of Baghdad.

Many were hospitalised after inhaling the gas fumes released in the blast in Taji, about 20km from the capital.

Five more people were killed and 11 hurt when a car bomb blew up near a petrol station in southern Baghdad.

Police said they were investigating whether the tanker explosion was caused by a bomb or was an accident.

The explosion took place after the driver of the truck parked it in front of a Shia-owned restaurant on the main road from Baghdad to the north of Iraq

Chlorine gas, which is toxic and can irritate the respiratory system, is used for water purification.

Five more people were killed and at least 19 wounded in a second car bomb attack at the Al-Rasheed food market in western Baghdad, officials said.

 

Technorati tags: Iraq, Blast, Toxic Gas, Chlorine