(20 March – 8:00am) Two persons were killed and over 30 wounded in a bomb attack on a passenger bus traveling from Tel Aviv to Nazareth at about 7am. The bus, which serves the Israeli Arab population primarily, was targeted on Route 65, the Wadi Ara road, near Musmous Junction.
A suicide bomber got on the bus, paid his fare, and then walked to the back half of the vehicle and detonated the powerful bomb on the crowded bus, carrying laborers to their places of work. The driver was lightly injured, enabling him to give an eyewitness account of the events that transpired. The driver of the No. 823 bus reports that the bomber detonated the blast seconds after paying for the ride.
The wounded in the blast were transported to HaEmek Hospital in Afula and Hillel Yafeh Hospital in Hadera. At least five victims are reported in serious condition.
The area of the explosion remains closed at this time and motorists are urged to seek alternate routes. Bomb squad personnel are combing the Nahal I’ron area for additional explosive devices.
HOSPITAL EMERGENCY INFORMATION NUMBERS
HaEmek Hospital – 12-55-165
Hillel Yafeh Hospital – 12-55-166
SECURITY CABINET CONVENING
At this time, the Security Cabinet is convening to decide if the partial travel ban on Yasser Arafat will be lifted to permit his participation in the Arab summit in Beirut.
A suicide bomber got on the bus, paid his fare, and then walked to the back half of the vehicle and detonated the powerful bomb on the crowded bus, carrying laborers to their places of work. The driver was lightly injured, enabling him to give an eyewitness account of the events that transpired. The driver of the No. 823 bus reports that the bomber detonated the blast seconds after paying for the ride.
The wounded in the blast were transported to HaEmek Hospital in Afula and Hillel Yafeh Hospital in Hadera. At least five victims are reported in serious condition.
The area of the explosion remains closed at this time and motorists are urged to seek alternate routes. Bomb squad personnel are combing the Nahal I’ron area for additional explosive devices.
HOSPITAL EMERGENCY INFORMATION NUMBERS
HaEmek Hospital – 12-55-165
Hillel Yafeh Hospital – 12-55-166
SECURITY CABINET CONVENING
At this time, the Security Cabinet is convening to decide if the partial travel ban on Yasser Arafat will be lifted to permit his participation in the Arab summit in Beirut.