A car bomb hit a petrol station south of Baghdad on Thursday, killing at least 70 people, including 20 Iranians. Officials said another 40 people were wounded.

“I was here when a car bomb exploded near a bus carrying pilgrims. There was thick black smoke and several cars were burnt. People lost their lives for a crime they had nothing to do with,” said Qassim Hayder, witness.

The blast set several cars on fire and knocked out power at the station. People had to use light from their mobile phones to look for remains of their loved ones.

Body parts that remained unclaimed were gathered in a blue bag and placed on the pavement outside the station. Large sections of the station were covered in blood.

ISIL has claimed responsibility for the attack.