Bomb explodes in crowded São Paulo street

December 24, 2005

Sixteen people were injured on Friday when a homemade bomb exploded in a crowded São Paulo street in Brazil. The blast took place on March 25 Street where it was crowded with Christmas shoppers. According to the police the bomb was left in a trash can. One police official Patricia Fernandes said, "apparently (the bomb) was an amateur device but we haven't completed the examination."

One woman remains hospitalized in serious condition. According to police the other victims did not suffer life-threatening injuries. The local media is saying that a pregnant woman and a 5 year old girl were also injured, but police did not confirm this.

The bombing is believed to be related to police raids on counterfeit dealers in the area. Fernandes stated that "One line of investigation is that this was a reprisal for for [sic] police actions in the area."