Officials say at least 6 guards, 30 prisoners killed in Iraq prison break; 40 inmates escape

Smoke rises after a car bomb attack in the Karrada neighborhood, Baghdad, Iraq, Saturday, May 9, 2015. A car bomb exploded in Baghdad's central Karrada area, killing at least eight civilians and wounding dozens, a police officer said. Among the dead were Shiite pilgrims preparing for next week's major event commemorating the anniversary of the 8th century death of a revered religious figure, Imam Mousa al-Kazim. Thousands of pilgrims typically march to his shrine in northern Baghdad to commemorate his death. (AP Photo/Karim Kadim) (The Associated Press)

Emergency workers, civilians and security forces inspect the scene of a car bomb explosion in Karrada neighborhood, Baghdad, Iraq, Saturday, May 9, 2015. A car bomb exploded in Baghdad's central Karrada area, killing at least eight civilians and wounding dozens, a police officer said. Among the dead were Shiite pilgrims preparing for next week's major event commemorating the anniversary of the 8th century death of a revered religious figure, Imam Mousa al-Kazim. Thousands of pilgrims typically march to his shrine in northern Baghdad to commemorate his death. (AP Photo/Hadi Mizban) (The Associated Press)

Civilians and security forces inspect the scene of a car bomb explosion in Karrada neighborhood, Baghdad, Iraq, Saturday, May 9, 2015. A car bomb exploded in Baghdad's central Karrada area, killing at least eight civilians and wounding dozens, a police officer said. Among the dead were Shiite pilgrims preparing for next week's major event commemorating the anniversary of the 8th century death of a revered religious figure, Imam Mousa al-Kazim. Thousands of pilgrims typically march to his shrine in northern Baghdad to commemorate his death. (AP Photo/Hadi mizban) (The Associated Press)

The spokesman for Iraq's Interior Ministry says that 40 inmates escaped from a prison in eastern Iraq after overpowering guards, an assault that killed six police officers and 30 prisoners.

Brig. Gen. Saad Maan said Saturday that a fight broke out among the inmates of the Khalis prison in Diyala province and when guards went to investigate, they were overpowered and had their weapons taken.

Maan says some of those that escaped were wanted on terrorism charges. There are hundreds of inmates in the prison.