Authorities are now stating with certainty that the vehicular crash that occurred at about 6:20pm on Thursday evening 3 Nissan 5773 near the Shomron city of Ariel was the result of terror. Rocks were hurled on the road, Route 5, and apparently a bus’ windshield was struck with many rocks, resulting in the driver losing control of the bus. As a result, a private vehicle lost control, ramming into the rear of a truck. The passenger vehicle was crushed, literally wedged under the rear of the truck trapping some of the occupants inside. They were extricated by area fire department extrication technicians who were fighting the clock, aware some of the injured were in serious condition.

A mother and her three daughters were injured in the attack, with a 2-year-old girl fighting for her life in a Tel Aviv area hospital. Mom and the other girls are listed as moderate and moderate-to-serious. The bus driver sustained light injuries.

A large IDF and police force continues operating in the area, concentrating search efforts on the PA (Palestinian Authority) village of Kifl Haris, located on Route 5 opposite Ariel. A number of arrests have been made but the ongoing manhunt signals some of the perpetrators believed involved in the attack remain at large.

Another infant was injured as a result of Arab terror at the same location on Route 5 after the serious accident that left the mother and her daughters fighting for their lives. A 10-month-old infant and an adult were injured by rocks in almost the exact area. They were transported to a Petach Tikvah hospital.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)