Over the weekend, a report was received by police of a private vehicle that caught fire while driving in a neighborhood of East Jerusalem. Officers from the Shalem police station in the Jerusalem District arrived quickly at the scene and soon realized that this was not a routine traffic incident.
An initial examination indicated that an explosion had occurred inside the vehicle, apparently as a result of the activation of an explosive device during the drive. One of the occupants of the car was seriously injured and was evacuated by medical teams to hospital. The vehicle itself sustained heavy damage.
Large police forces operated at the scene, including Border Police officers, police bomb disposal experts and forensic investigators, working to collect evidence, conduct searches and secure the area. At the same time, an investigation was opened at the Shalem police station to clarify the circumstances of the incident and examine the background that led to the explosion.
What is known about the car bomb explosion in East Jerusalem?
As part of a rapid investigative effort, two suspects, residents of East Jerusalem, were arrested on suspicion of involvement in the incident. Police are expected to request an extension of their detention in court.
Jerusalem District Police emphasize that “we view very seriously any use of weapons and explosive devices in the public space, and will continue to act with determination and zero tolerance against offenders who endanger public safety and security.”
The investigation is ongoing, with police examining the planning that preceded the explosion and why the event unfolded differently from its original intention.
