Explosion rocks Tel Aviv night club

Jerusalem Post, 26/02/2005, 1:08

A large explosion rocked the Herbert Samuel street promenade Friday night near the Stage nightclub in Tel Aviv, Israel Radio reported.

Ichilov hospital in Tel Aviv reported three dead. The number is expected to rise.

The bomber exploded in a crowded line of young partygoers before going through a security check.

The bomber carried a large explosive device, filled with nails and shrapnel.

Magen David Adom reported that 23 injured, three in critical condition, 10 in serious condition, and the rest lightly injured, have been evacuated to Beilinson, Ichilov, and Wolfson hospitals in Tel Aviv.

According to a police statement, the suicide bomber originated from the Nablus area.

Palestinian media reported that the bomber came from Tulkarm.

Islamic Jihad and the Al-Aksa martyrs brigade have reportedly claimed responsibility for the attack, while Al-Aksa leaders in Nablus and Jennin specifically told Jerusalem Post reporter Mathew Gutman that they were not involved.

Eyewitnesses at the scene say they spotted a second bomber who fled the area.

Police helicopters are hovering overhead searching for further suspects.

At the blast scene, Jerusalem Post reporter Mathew Gutman reported a large number of cars severely damaged by the blast, as well as human debris among the shattered glass and chaos.

Shops across the street from the blast were also damaged.

Josh Dammit, 17 yrs old, was at the site: “We were in the store, standing inside when we heard the glass shatter and the explosion. We came out and saw two people bleeding next to us. I did not expect any of this to happen, definitely not so close.”

Police chief Moshe Karadi in a news conference said that there were no prior intelligence reports as to a possible attack, and urged civilians to remain clear of the area.

Karadi remained cautious as to the existence of a second bomber, but assured that all avenues were being investigated.