A bomb went off near a bus carrying civilians and soldiers in the northern Lebanon city of Tripoli early Wednesday, killing at least 18 people and wounding over 40 others, security officials said. 10 of the victims were soldiers.
According to the AP, the officials said the bomb was planted on the roadside and exploded when the bus passed by. They said the blast took place in Tal Square, an area crowded with military staff at this hour of the day, as the streets were full of people also heading to work.
According to AlManar TV, the bus was five meters away from the bomb when it exploded, leaving a 30 centimeter crater in the ground. The Lebanese army has cordoned off the area and is investigating the incident. Initial reports said that a bag carrying the bomb was placed in the bus station where civilians and army soldiers usually take their busses to Beirut and elsewhere.
