The death toll rose to 56 and 221 people wounded in the suicide car bombing that hit a crowded square in central Baghdad on Tuesday morning, an Interior Ministry source said.

"Our latest report said that up to 56 people were killed and 221 others wounded," the source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.

"A suicide bomber drove a vehicle loaded with large amount of explosives and detonated it at about 7:00 a.m. (0400 GMT) in Tayaran Square where hundreds of day laborers were waiting for jobs," the source said.

Earlier, a police source said that 45 people were killed and 148 others wounded.

The square is a regularly crowded point for Iraqi laborers who gather early in the morning waiting for minibuses and private cars that stop to hire them.

"A KIA minibus parked and lured many laborers for a job but detonated," the source said, adding "the minibus was loaded with large amount of explosives, causing a very powerful blast."

The blast also damaged several nearby buildings and shops along with many civilian cars, the source added.

Violence sweeps Iraqi cities as insurgent attacks, sectarian killings, car bombings, roadside bombs claim dozens of Iraqi lives daily.

Source: Xinhua