Excavator driver attacks Jerusalem bus, authorities say

JERUSALEM – An attacker rammed the front end of a massive construction excavator into an Israeli bus on Monday, overturning the vehicle and killing a pedestrian before he was shot and killed by a police officer, authorities said. Police said five other people were lightly wounded in what they described as a "terrorist attack," indicating that they suspected Palestinian involvement.

The attack occurred on a main thoroughfare near Jerusalem's light-rail line. The area is located near the unofficial line between Jewish West Jerusalem and east Jerusalem, the section of the city captured by Israel in 1967 and which is home to most of the city's Arab population.

Israel's Channel 10 TV showed cellphone video of what it said was the attack. The video showed the yellow construction vehicle slamming the large shovel on its front end into the bus. Israeli media said there were several injuries, including passengers and pedestrians.

Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said a police officer in the area opened fire and killed the attacker.

Mayor Nir Barkat said the police's quick action prevented far more casualties and appealed for calm.

Tensions have been high between Arabs and Jews in the region amid a monthlong war between Israel and Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip that officials say has killed more than 1,800 Palestinians and more than 60 Israelis.

In the past, Palestinian attackers have gone on deadly rampages with bulldozers in Jerusalem traffic.