Car bomb explodes in Iraqi market, killing 42

BAGHDAD, July 17 (Reuters) At least 42 people were killed and 33 wounded when a car bomb exploded in a market in the town of Mahmudiya south of Baghdad today, police sources said.

Police had earlier reported that gunmen had attacked the market. Some police sources said the police had engaged in a firefight with the gunmen, while others said the shots were fired by police to disperse crowds after the car bomb blast.

REUTERS SI HS1329