One man was killed Thursday when his motorcycle exploded on Zevulun Street in the center of the northern city of Kiryat Ata.
The man was later identified as Shimon Twizer, a 26-year old resident of the city who was released from prison just a few months ago after serving time for attempting to assassinate another criminal but mistakenly wounding a 17-year old boy. He had an extensive criminal record.
Police say the motorcycle was traveling alongside a bus and suddenly exploded, causing many of the passengers to jump from the bus. The bike was apparently stolen, and police say the incident was crime-related.
Four people suffered from shock after the blast, but no one aside from the motorcyclist was physically injured. Paramedics were rushed to the scene.
Deputy Inspector-General Roni Atiya told Ynet that police were not certain whether the explosion was planned or a mistake. He said the motorcyclist had explosives with him.
"He was carrying a powerful explosive device, but it remains unclear whether he planned to set it off here or if he was conveying it to another location," Atiya said.
G., who works at a supermarket near the scene of the collision, told Ynet, "There was a strong blast and we saw the motorcycle go up in flames. People panicked because we all thought it was a terror attack, and all of the customers took cover."
First published: 20:02, 03.04.10