LONDON – A taxi driver injured when a passenger’s homemade bomb exploded in the northwestern English city of Liverpool a week ago said on Sunday that it was a “miracle” that he was alive.
In a statement to police, David Perry said he was “very grateful that no one else was injured in such an act of evil.”
British police have called the November 14 explosion an act of terrorism and are trying to determine a motive for the bomber, Emad Al Swealmeen, who died in an explosion outside Liverpool Women’s Hospital. Police said the device contained explosives and ball bearings and could cause “serious injury or death” if it exploded under different circumstances.
Investigators said Al Swealmeen, who is of Iraqi descent and had unsuccessfully applied for asylum in the UK, appeared to have acted alone.
However, the UK’s official terror threat level was raised from significant to severe – meaning an attack is highly likely – following the explosion.
Perry managed to get out of the cab before it was consumed by the flames. He was treated for his injuries in a hospital.
In his statement, the driver said he was “overwhelmed” by the well wishes and generosity he had received following the attack.
“Now I need time to try to come to terms with what happened and focus on recovering both mentally and physically,” he said. “Please be kind, vigilant and stay safe.”
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