CAIRO: Nineteen casualties of the terrorist attack on Al-Hussein district, where a bomb exploded at around 6:30 pm on Sunday, were released from Nasser Institute four hours after they were admitted, while another four are still in the intensive care unit.
One of those still in hospital was recovering from surgery, while the rest were likely to be released by press time Monday.
The victims, 17 French tourists, three Saudi Arabians, one German and two Egyptians were transferred from Al-Hussein hospital to Nasser Institute on Sunday night upon orders from Health Minister Hatem El-Gabaly. One French female tourist had died in the attack.
“Most of the cases suffered surface injuries . wounds and scratches caused by shrapnel, Bahaa Abu Zeid, general manager of Nasser Institute told Daily News Egypt.
According to surgeon Nabil Makhlouf, who supervised the cases, an 11-year-old Egyptian boy suffering from muscle laceration is still in intensive care, along with three French tourists, an 18-year-old who underwent surgery for a trachea injury, a 17-year- old with a severe fracture in his left leg, and a 17-year-old French woman whose eardrum was perforated from the impact of the explosion.
Other victims suffered from fractures and scratches at their limbs; two Saudis had stomach and arm injuries, one German was wounded in the face and one Egyptian was in shock; two of the victims were released when they were found unharmed.
“They all had an initial shock but they overcame it quickly. After having dinner and hot drinks at the Institute they left with their group, Makhlouf said.
“The casualties were brought to Nasser Institute for the psychological care they can get here, he added.
Nasser Loza, first undersecretary of the health ministry for mental health, as well as a group of psychotherapists visited the victims Sunday night to talk them through the trauma.
Both the French and German ambassadors also visited the institute to check on their citizens and a French medical delegate examined the French victims in intensive care.
Abu Zeid said that the French patients were going to be flown back home in a special jet. Members of Parliament and MPs belonging to the PA’s defense committee visited the institute to check on the victims.
“Egypt’s moderate stance [on regional issues] is rejected by both interior and exterior parties. This was a message aimed at undermining the security of Egypt, MP Ragab Hemeida, of Al Ghad party told reporters during his visit.
