In Iraq, a few seconds can mean life -- or death

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Kawther Abdul-Ameer had just bought a baby carrier for her newborn niece from a market vendor in Baghdad. Seconds later as she walked away, a taxi parked nearby exploded, setting the vendor ablaze.

In Iraq, a few moments can mean the difference between life and death.

Abdul-Ameer, a 33-year-old Iraqi reporter who occasionally works for Reuters, said she would never forget the horror of Sunday's bomb attack in Baghdad's Mansour district.

Police said one man was killed and three wounded. It was unclear if the vendor survived.

"I took my baby carrier and thanked the vendor. When I reached the other side of the street a huge explosion threw me forward. I heard shrapnel hissing past my head and I was showered with shattered glass.

"When I looked back, I saw cars burning and the vendor I had just been talking to was ablaze and running away. He was running across the street along with two other vendors, whose clothes were also on fire.

"I smelt burning flesh. I ran away with everyone else."

Car bombings are a deadly daily feature of Iraq's violence that have killed thousands of Iraqis.

Abdul-Ameer said she was unhurt but later noticed what appeared to be bits of flesh stuck to her leather jacket.

"I can't believe I came out of it alive. If I had stayed for a few more seconds, I would be dead," she said.