Israeli police are investigating an explosion in Tel Aviv that killed one man and injured another, local media reported on Sunday. The authorities suspect that the victim may have been killed in a botched suicide bombing.
The blast occurred in the city center around 8pm, causing significant damage to a nearby truck. Central District Commander Perez Amer told reporters that “dozens of calls were received by the emergency center, reporting a loud explosion and body parts scattered on Lehi Street.”
When police and paramedics arrived, they noticed a “mutilated body and signs of an explosion on the wall,” Amer added. The man, later identified as Gideon Peri, 50, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Another man who was passing through the area on a scooter sustained moderate injuries from shrapnel and was taken to the hospital for treatment.
The authorities believe the explosive device was carried by the deceased victim. Initially, police had “difficulty identifying the body,” but determined that “it’s not an innocent civilian, but rather the person who was carrying the explosive device.”
“Whether this is criminal or terrorism-related, it’s too early to say,” Amer said, adding that identifying the nature of the incident is critical. Shin Bet security agency is taking part in the investigation.
Unconfirmed CCTV footage shared online appears to show the moment of the explosion. Another video shows a man carrying a backpack. Some reports indicate that the bomb may have detonated prematurely, killing the would-be attacker.