(Web posted at 4:00 pm)
A 500 gram explosive device exploded this morning in a garbage can at the corner of Allenby Street and Rothchild Boulevard in Tel Aviv. 21 persons were injured, most slightly. On of the wounded, a 24-year-old woman, is listed in serious condition, another in moderate condition. Among the injured is a 21-month-old baby that was only slightly injured.
Tel Aviv regional police commander Shlomo Avanishki said that "shortly before 8:50 am an explosion was heard from inside a garbage can on the sidewalk. Most of the wounded were evacuated with only the slightest injuries, with one or two exceptions. There is damage to a number of stores. The rear of a van carrying passengers was also slightly damaged."
Ambulances, Magen David Adom and large forces of police arrived quickly on the scene, and evacuated most of the injured to local hospitals. Some of the injured went to hospitals themselves.
In response to the attack, the police increased its presence at central Tel Aviv and Jerusalem locations.
Tel Aviv mayor Ronny Milo arrived at the site moments after the blast and said, "Unfortunately, this reminds us of the serious attacks that happened in Tel Aviv like at Dizengoff and the Number 5 bus. To my relief, this event has a small number of injured and gives us clear direction that we are fighting an extreme element."
In Milo’s opinion, Israel faces a dilemma on if the forces leading the Middle East are the moderate concerns or the fanatic concerns that wish to create attacks.
Ichilov Hospital is taking inquiries from the public at telephone number 055-131 111.
The Arena will continue to report as further details become available.
Only one of the wounded was still in Ichilov hospital late this afternoon. The other wounded who arrived were released after receiving care.
Michal Matityahu (25) of Modi’in was moderately injured and taken into surgery immediately upon arrival at he hospital.
As stated, among the injured was a baby who mother, Simcha Manzor, was standing at the entrance to a pharmacy, where she planned to buy diapers, at the time of the blast.
Most of the injured suffered from shock or suffered from ringing ears.
Published by Israel's Business Arena on August 27, 1998