Policemen killed in Eta bomb explosion

Jul 31 2009 by David Old, The Journal

HOLIDAYMAKERS were hit with delays yesterday following a terrorist attack in Majorca – the second attack blamed on Basque separatist group Eta in two days.

Flights which were due to be returning to Newcastle International were grounded after Spanish police shut down the holiday island after a car bomb exploded in the Palmanova beach resort.

EasyJet and Thomson flights were disrupted by the closure of Palma Airport as police launched “Operation Cage”, closing the airport, main roads and sea ports, immediately after the explosion at lunchtime.

Two Civil Guards, Carlos Saenz de Tejada Garcia and Diego Salva Lezaun, were killed by the bomb – which was placed under their car and left several others injured. Police later found a second bomb under another police vehicle in the same area and carried out a controlled explosion.

But the move to prevent the bombers’ escape caused travel chaos in the peak-holiday season.

The island’s Interior Ministry said: “As a result of the attack state security forces sealed off the island to avoid the escape of the terrorists.”

Eight Thomson flights were effected by the closure. A spokesman said last night: “We appreciate that flight delays and diversions are frustrating and we are doing everything we can to support our customers at this time and to minimise any delays.

“We are advising passengers to arrive at the airport as normal, but to be prepared for delays.”