Jerusalem Bomb Near Bus Injures Dozens

An explosion took place near a bus in central Jerusalem Wednesday afternoon.

Police said that a bomb exploded outside Egged bus number 74 at a station opposite the Jerusalem Conference Center (Binyanei Ha'uma) in the center of town.

Magen David Adom relayed that there were 25 people injured. Three people were seriously injured. Israeli media reported that two of those were in critical condition.

Five people were moderately injured and the remainder lightly to moderately. MDA said that no deaths took place.

Police suspected that an explosive device inside a bag was left at the bus stop, which then exploded. Public Security Minister Yitzhak Aharonovitch said that the explosive device was between one and two kilograms and contained shrapnel.

Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat confirmed that the attack was likely caused by an explosive device left in a backpack on the side of the bus stop.

Barkat asked citizens to open their eyes and that only then, will we be able to prevent attacks in the future.

Most importantly, he said, is to return to your normal lives so that the terrorists don't think they can win.

Large numbers of police and ambulance forces were on the scene.

Roads surrounding the scene were closed to traffic and authorities were searching the area for additional explosive devices.

The public was advised to stay clear of the area.

Despite the on-going social workers strike, which reached its 18th day on Wednesday, the Union of Social Workers gave approval for social workers in Jerusalem to provide services to those who need it following the terrorist attack in the capital.