Military

DATE=06/18/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=ISRAEL / BUS BOMB (S / 3rd UPDATE)

NUMBER=2-291093

BYLINE=MEREDITH BUEL

DATELINE=JERUSALEM

CONTENT=

VOICE AT:

/// UPDATES CR 2-291085, BY LARRY JAMES ///

INTRO: Israeli police say at least 19 people were killed and dozens injured when a Palestinian suicide bomber detonated explosives on a crowded bus in Jerusalem. V-O-A Correspondent Meredith Buel reports from Jerusalem.

TEXT: The blast tore through the bus during morning rush hour near a busy intersection in southern Jerusalem, sending bodies flying through windows and peeling off the roof of the vehicle.

Bodies could be seen in the mangled skeleton of the bus and on the ground as smoke billowed through the area.

Rescue workers said some of those killed and injured were children who were riding the bus to school.

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon made an unusual visit to the scene, describing the attack as a continuation of Palestinian terror and vowing to fight it.

Chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat condemned the bombing and denied Israeli accusations that the Palestinian Authority should be blamed for the attack.

The Islamic militant group Hamas claimed responsibility for the bombing.

Police say they have received warnings that more suicide bombers are on the loose in Jerusalem, and have setup roadblocks and increased patrols in an effort to stop the attackers. (Signed)

NEB/MB/JWH