Two explosions hit bus stops near Jerusalem

Two explosions at two bus stops near entrances to Jerusalem on Wednesday morning wounding at least 18 people, according to Israeli officials.

According to Israeli media, the first blast occurred at the Central Bus Station, and the second one happened at Ramot Junction; medics suggest that at least two of those injured remain in serious or critical condition.

Jerusalem Deputy Mayor Fleur Hassan-Nahoum said that the explosions had injured 18 people. Israeli medics said that one of the victims succumbed to wounds inflicted by the blast.

The second explosion was reported soon after the first one at Ramot Junction near the bus station; however, there is no information available about whether or not the incidents are connected.

Authorities shut down traffic from the direction of Tel Aviv merging onto Road One, which is the main transport artery leading into Jerusalem. Police raised the alert level in the city, and Defense Minister Benny Gantz is holding an emergency meeting to address the blasts.