MOGADISHU, Feb 2 (Reuters) - At least 16 people were killed on Monday when a roadside bomb targeting African Union peacekeepers exploded and the soldiers opened fire in response, paramedics said, but another report said 39 people had died.

"I am sure we have carried 16 dead people and others injured so far," said Ali Muse, manager of an ambulance service.

Deputy Mogadishu Mayor Abdifatah Ibrahim said soldiers in the AU peacekeeping mission, known as AMISOM, fired into the crowds on the packed road and killed at least 36 people.

The roadside bomb killed three civilians and injured a Uganda soldier, he said.

"We have counted 23 dead people and 16 other dead civilians were transported before I reached the scene," he said. "All these people except three died after AMISOM opened fire indiscriminately." (Reporting by Abdi Guled and Ibrahim Mohamed; Editing by Jon Boyle)

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