An alert El Al security guard saved many lives and averted tragedy when a bomb exploded at the El Al counter at Barajas International Airport in Madrid Thursday afternoon, according to an Israel Radio report.
The report said the guard, who was slightly wounded, was examining a handbag carried by the last passenger in line waiting to board an El Al flight to Tel Aviv. He noticed smoke coming from the case and grabbed a fire extinguisher. He shouted to people nearby to take cover before a bomb in the handbag blew up, according to the Israel Radio version of the incident.
A Spanish security agent was among the injured but no other Israelis were hurt, apart from the El Al guard. The injuries were caused by the collapse of the ceiling, Israel Radio said. The Tel Aviv flight was delayed. El Al has refused to give out further details.
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