14:48 IL: Two large explosions were heard a short time ago on the Egyptian side of the Taba border. According to preliminary reports, a bus has exploded. Ichud Hatzalah has responders heading towards the border. Magen David Adom’s Negev District has called personnel to the station in anticipation of a response.

At this time a bus explosion is unconfirmed and if there was an explosion, it remains unknown if Israelis are on board.

14:55 IL:
It appears a tourism bus exploded on the Egyptian side of the border to Israel, about 50 meters from the crossing. There are reports of injuries. It appears that the explosion may be a terror attack.

15:01 IL:
The explosion occurred on the Egyptian side of the border, about 250 meters away from the Taba Crossing. It appears a car bomb detonated next to the bus. There are dead and injured on the scene.

Israel Channel 2 TV reports a car carrying explosives targeted a tourist bus carrying visitors from the Ukraine and there are no Israelis on the bus. MDA and other emergency agencies have offered Egyptian officials assistance.

The PA (Palestinian Authority) MAAN agency reports Egypt has closed the border in both directions.

15:04 IL:
Reports from Egypt state 3 dead and 14 injured in an apparent terrorist bombing against a tourist bus. Israel Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld Tweeted the following message: “Police units on standby at the Taba border crossing to assist if necessary after bus explosion on the Egyptian side. Cause not yet clear.”

15:06 IL:
Israel Radio reports that explosion occurred at the border crossing, on the Egyptian side. It is unclear if the tourists were coming from or heading to Israel when the blast occurred. MDA, Ichud Hatzalah and other emergency agencies remain ready to respond in the event the Egyptians accept the offer of assistance. Israel Radio adds “sources state there are dozens of injured”.

Al-Jazeera reports three dead and 14 injured.

15:14 IL:
It is now being reported the injured on the bus near the Taba border crossing are from S. Korea.

15:21 IL:
Israel Police spokesman Rosenfeld is now confirming the explosions was a terrorist attack.

16:00 IL:
Egyptians are reporting that some of the over 30 injured in the bus explosion are being treated in Eilat. The death toll in the apparent terrorist attack has risen to five, apparently S. Korean nationals.

Unconfirmed reports from Egypt state a missile or mortar shell was fired at a bus while a car bomb exploded next to it.

Israeli forces at the Taba Crossing remain on heightened alert. The crossing remains closed in both directions.

17:00 IL:

Five bus victims in serious condition have been transferred to Yosef-Tal Hospital in Eilat.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem/Photos: Chadashot 24)