(news) Huge Blasts in Baghdad Near Journalists' Hotel

Three huge blasts and gunfire have been heard and filmed near the Palestine Hotel in Baghdad. This hotel is the main hotel used by foreign journalists and private contractors. There are reports from the AFP acccording to the BBC TV news that the windows of the hotel have been blown out and the residents have had to shelter in the hotel corridors.



This is a developing story - the pictures carried by the BBC show two huge blasts.


Additional link to Report on huge blasts


They are in speaking with Carolyn Hawley (BBC) as I write. She sounds very shaken reporting the blasts were either mortars / car bombs and gunfire.

[edit on 24-10-2005 by hands]

[edit on 24-10-2005 by hands]

CNN is stating the first two explosions may have been mortars or car bombs which were assumed to attract first responders to the scene at which time one large/huge explosion was set off that caused much carnage at the scene and killed several first responders. Many of the mainstream media stay in the Palestine Hotel which appears to have been the main target, knowing the media was there to cover the event.

This is according to CNN and might contain errors in the information

Hawley was actually in the BBC office, a few hundred yards away from the Palestine but their offices had their windows blown out too.

Reuters are reporting that eleven people have been killed - obviously just some initial reports