Belarus in Shock after Metro Terrorist Attack, Death Toll Climbs to 12

Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko (C-R) visits the site of explosion at the Oktyabrskaya underground station in Minsk, Belarus 11 April 2011. EPA/BGNES

A total of 12 people have lost their lives in Monday's explosion in a metro station in Belarus capital Minsk which has been found to be a terrorist attack by the authorities.

Another 149 people have been wounded after the blast at the Oktyabrskaya metro station in Minsk Monday after. 22 have been hospitalized in critical condition.

The Belarus authorities have figured out who the most likely perpetrator of the terrorist attack is, reported RIA Novosti. They have stage a special operation to detain him.

The government of Belarus has declared April 13 a day of mourning for the victims of the Oktyabrskaya explosion.

Experts have estimated that the bomb detonated at the Minsk metro had the equivalent of 5 kg of TNT, and was placed under a bench on the metro platform; it contained nails and metal balls to increase its destructive power. Some 300 people were near or around the bomb at the time of the detonation Monday night, ITAR-TASS reported.

The General Prosecutor's Office of Belarus has started an investigation of a case of terrorism.

Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko has suggested that the bomb had been planted by foreigners.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev called the blast a "terrorist attack" and offered to help investigate who was behind the explosion, the Kremlin said in a statement.

Medvedev made the remarks in a telephone call with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, who later said at an emergency government meeting that he accepted the offer of assistance.

Lukashenko ordered officials to increase public transport security, according to Belta, Belarus' state-run news agency.

He also instructed security officials to investigate whether this latest blast could have any connection with an explosion in downtown Minsk in July 2008, Belta reported. That bomb went off during an open-air concert, injuring some 55 people.

"Perhaps, they are linked. Establish who could benefit in disrupting the calm and stability in the country and find out who is behind the attack," Lukashenko said, according to Belta, cited by CNN.

The agency also reported that Lukashenko said a day of mourning would be declared in Belarus.

We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!