Terror returned to the streets of Tel Aviv • Terror attack on bus: 21 injured • hunt for terrorist

Terrorist attack in Tel Aviv: At 12:00 pm a report was received that there was an explosion on the 142 bus on Shaul Hamelech Boulevard in Tel Aviv. Magen David Adom declared a mass casualty incident. According to the report there are 20 casualties, two moderate - severe, three moderate and the rest are slightly injured.

It is estimated that it was an explosive device and not a suicide bomb. Police sappers put up a high suspicion alert that there is another explosive device in the area, police distanced curious onlookers and rescue volunteers, for fear of a hazard in the area or another bomb device.

Tel Aviv police are hunting for a terrorist in Tel Aviv, after received evidence, and it is currently being checked. Deputy Commander of Tel Aviv said: "We know that a guy came on the bus, put down a bag, went down and fled. Police are now searching and trying to find the person who did it." The police performed an arrest at the diamond district, but it became clear that the man is suffering from mental illness - and was released.

The bus driver who was not hurt: "I heard an explosion, I did not know whether inside or outside. The bus seats were filled to capacity. After the explosion I did not see anything, the bus was filled with smoke. I didn’t see a suspicious person get on the bus."

Dan company spokesman said that the explosion occurred on a bus moving from Atidim terminal going to Bat Yam. He added that the bus was not full at the time.
Most of the wounded were evacuated on foot into Ichilov Hospital, located nearby. Injuries are from nails and pieces of iron and shock. There are no critical injuries. Two injured casualties were taken into surgery.

MDA Director General, Eli Bean, told B'Chadrei Charedim that so far 20 casualties were treated, including moderately to severely wounded, three moderately wounded, seven slightly wounded. All the others are trauma victims. 18 injured victims were evacuated to Ichilov Hospital.

Professor Pinny Halperin, director of the Department of the Emergency room in Ichilov: "21 wounded patients were taken to the hospital, one of them critically, one medium and one slight - medium. All the others are slightly injured and suffering from anxiety. The severely wounded and moderately wounded were rushed to the operating room. There were injuries that we have seen many like them, due to repulsion in a cramped place, and injuries from bolts and shrapnel. As it seems it is probably not a large event and we found small screws and nails which explains the relatively light injuries."

Yehuda Herzig, a Hatzalah paramedic who arrived first at the scene, told B'Chadrei Charedim: "Apparently the bus where the explosion came from was empty of passengers. According to the first signs an explosive device was thrown at the bus."
Rabbi Lau: I hope that there was not excessive complacency
The Municipality instructed school administrators not to allow students to leave until they receive further instructions. Ron Huldai: "Everything's under control, the city center is open and it is important not to approach the area of the attack. Security forces are at the area. Kindergarten children are all protected or we transferred them to protected compounds."

Meanwhile, no official responsibilities for the attack have yet been published. However, Hamas's television reports about the possibility of a suicide attack.

Chief Rabbi of Tel Aviv - Rabbi Yisrael Meir Lau sent out a message on the attack: "It's hard to say that the explosion on the bus in Tel Aviv on Shaul Hamelech Street came as a surprise. Tens of meters separate between the place of the explosion and the Rabbinate offices and the explosion and sounds of sirens were heard throughout the area.

"Due to the events of the war in the south and the futile attempts of Fajar 5 missiles which fired at Tel Aviv and did not hit, the 'old' attack was expected.

"I hope that it was not complacent and disregard of checkpoints that caused this disaster because after years of avoiding such attacks complacency and indifference takes over like 'it will not happen.' I pray for the complete recovery of the wounded and hope they return to their homes safely and quickly.

"I expect the Israeli government and security forces to eradicate the root of the murderers with clear knowledge that all the land is front - And not a mouse thief – but a hole thief. These holes must be clogged up and the sooner the better.

"Please pray for the speedy recovery of the wounded Psalms כ', קכ"א, ק"ל, קמ"ב.

'בחדרי' גם ברשתות החברתיות - הצטרפו!