ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – At least one passenger was reported killed and 29 others injured when an improvised bomb ripped through a passenger bus Friday afternoon in the downtown of this city, according to authorities.
Police authorities initially reported that there were 17 injured victims on the ground.
But reports indicated that 24 victims were brought to Zamboanga City Medical Center and five others in Brent Hospital.
A police official confirmed two of the injured victims were in critical condition due to severe multiple injuries, with a one-year-old infant as the youngest victim.
Chief Inspector Joel Tuttuh, spokesman of City Police Office, said the bomb exploded about 2:15 p.m. aboard D' Biel bus with body number 1641 and plate number JVN 978 in the terminal along Tomas Claudio Street at Barangay Zone 1 near the city old public market.
“The bus had just arrived and the passengers have already alighted when the bomb exploded minutes later,” Tuttuh told the STAR in the blast site.
He said the bus conductor claimed that the bus came from Barangay Labuan, a village west coast of this city, carrying more than 20 passengers.
Tuttuh said the conductor could not immediately recall any suspicious person who boarded the bus prior to the explosion.
Tuttuh, who was among the first responders who arrived at the blast site saw two victims critically injured aboard the wrecked bus.
He also suffered a slight laceration while pulling out the victims to rescue them.
“We have just alighted from the bus when the very loud explosion occurred,” an injured victim said while waiting for first aid.
The powerful explosion ripped through the roof, sides, windshields and interior of the bus.
Tuttuh said the Police Explosive Ordnance and Disposal (EOD) unit initially described the bomb as ammonium nitrate fuel oil (ANFO) used in bombing attack.
Police Superintendent Ariel Huesca, commander of public safety company, said seven persons observed with wirings in their possessions, were held for questioning on the ground
Col. Arthur Biyo, commander of Task Group Zamboanga (TGZ), said the troops and the K9 unit were mobilized to secure the down town.