The death toll in yesterday's bus attack is 14. The official number of wounded in the attack stands at 59, 47 of whom remained hospitalized over night. This morning, 24 of them were released to their homes. The attack occurred at 4:23 PM. An Egged Company No. 841 bus traveling from the Kiryat Shmonah Central Bus Station was targeted by suicide bombers at Karkur Junction, in the I'ron Valley on Route 65, also known as the Hadera-Afula higway. According to Police Commander Yaakov Borovski, a KIA 4x4 vehicle pulled up alongside the bus while it was completely stopped and detonated a very powerful bomb near the rear section. Police investigators have established that two terrorists were occupying the vehicle when the explosive device was detonated. Reports indicate the bomb contained "dozens of kilograms of explosives," and possibly as many as 100 kg (220 lbs.). The explosion was extremely powerful, resulting in a wide radius in which the dead and wounded were found. People were blown from the area by the impact of the blast, which immediately engulfed the bus in flames. Investigators at this time continue to operate on the scene of the blast, attempting to piece together the pieces of the puzzle, learn more about the bomb, and obtain any information that might provide clues to the events leading to the attack and the identities of those responsible.
The combination of dozens of kilos of explosives, the bus' fuel supply, and bullets in the soldiers' guns all contributed to start a tremendous fire, which trapped and killed many of the passengers. The first rescue workers arriving on the scene were horrified to realize they could not approach the bus because of the large fire.
Police believe that the terrorists were accompanied by accomplices to the site, but they have not located them as of yet. Police explain that the second vehicle acted as a scout, traveling ahead of the bomb jeep to ensure the area was clear of law enforcement officials.
The combination of dozens of kilos of explosives, the bus' fuel supply, and bullets in the soldiers' guns all contributed to start a tremendous fire, which trapped and killed many of the passengers. The first rescue workers arriving on the scene were horrified to realize they could not approach the bus because of the large fire.
Police believe that the terrorists were accompanied by accomplices to the site, but they have not located them as of yet. Police explain that the second vehicle acted as a scout, traveling ahead of the bomb jeep to ensure the area was clear of law enforcement officials.