Jerusalem Bus Blast a Terror Attack, Officials Say
by VOA News April 18, 2016
An Israeli police official says a bus explosion in Jerusalem Monday that wounded at least 15 people was a terror attack.
The blast was originally thought to be due to a malfunction on the bus, but officials now say the cause was due to an explosive device. "There is no doubt that this was a terror attack," said Jerusalem Police Commissioner Yoram Halevy.
Officials say the type of explosive device and the identity of the attacker are being investigated.
Israel's national emergency medical service, Magen David Adom, says at least 15 people are being treated for injuries and one was severely injured.
The bus explosion occurred in the heart of Jerusalem. Pictures on social media showed a green bus engulfed in flames, with thick, black smoke pouring out. Parked next to it on the street is another bus, which was also damaged by the explosion.
Some reports said the explosion occurred on an empty bus and the injuries occurred on an adjacent one.
The blast follows a series of stabbing attacks by Palestinians on Israeli civilians and security officials.
It was a reminder of the regular suicide attacks that occurred during the so-called Second Intifida, which lasted from 2000 to 2005.
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