Israeli bus driver has fourth escape from bombing
A bus driver who escaped the latest bombing in Israel says it is the fourth time he has survived a terror attack in recent months.
At least 17 passengers died when a suicide attacker set off a car bomb next to a packed bus during rush hour in Megiddo.
More than 45 people were also wounded after flames engulfed the bus. It is the deadliest attack since Israel's recent West Bank military offensive.
The bus overturned twice and the blast hurled some passengers onto the road, while others died trapped in the burning vehicle.
The Islamic Jihad group has claimed responsibility, saying the bombing marked the 35th anniversary of the 1967 Mideast war in which Israel captured the West Bank, Gaza Strip and east Jerusalem.
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has convened his security Cabinet for an emergency session.
The bombing came just hours after CIA chief George Tenet visited the area to push reforms that would make the Palestinian security services more effective in preventing terror attacks.
There was no immediate Palestinian comment.
Sharon Levinger, a soldier on the bus, said: "In an eyeblink, I saw a car passing and then there was an explosion. The bus turned over at least twice. I was right by the door and a managed to kick it open and get out."
Levinger said that after a few seconds there was another small explosion and the bus caught fire.
