The back-to-back car bombs exploded in a busy market in a Shiite area of southwestern Baghdad that was full of morning shoppers. Many women and children were among the casualties.

A few hours later, police say a suicide bomber blew himself up on a minibus killing and injuring several people. Many of the wounded suffered severe burns.

Baghdad Bombings Kill 34, Two British Helicopters Crash

Police officer Mohammed Jassim said a minibus coming from the Bab al-Mu'dham neighborhood heading to Kazimiyah exploded while he was standing in front of the courthouse. He says there were many casualties.

Baghdad Bombings Kill 34, Two British Helicopters Crash

Kazimiyah is a Shiite area of the capital where there is a prominent shrine.

Baghdad Bombings Kill 34, Two British Helicopters Crash

The latest attacks on Shiite targets come a day after a car bomb exploded in the southern Shiite holy city of Karbala not far from one of the sect's holiest sites - the Imam Hussein shrine. More than 40 people were killed and dozens more were injured.

Meanwhile, north of the capital, two British military helicopters crashed, killing two service members and seriously injuring a third.

British Defense Secretary Des Browne said in a statement that preliminary indications are the crash was an accident and not the work of insurgents. A U.S. military statement said initial reports indicate it was the result of a mid-air collision.