Death toll at synagogue rises to 13 after explosion

DJERBA, Tunisia -- Two Germans and a French citizen died Saturday from injuries suffered in a firey truck crash at a famous synagogue in this Muslim North African nation, bringing the death toll to 13 people.

Questions about whether the explosion at the Ghriba synagogue was an accident, as Tunisian authorities have contended, or an attack remained unanswered. Germany has sent officials to help in the investigation.

Tourism Minister Mondher Zenaidi, visiting the site Saturday, referred again to the "tragic accident ... at one of the most sacred sites in Tunisia." His was the first visit by a government official since the explosion. Sabbath services were held at the synagogue on Saturday.

"Until the investigation is finished, there should be no speculation," he said in response to a question about whether the truck crash might have been an attack.

The truck laden with gas crashed into the synagogue and exploded Thursday on the resort island of Djerba. Government officials and the synagogue's president quickly called it an accident, but the Israeli government called it an anti-Semitic attack.

An official of the German Embassy in Tunis, Waldemar Schroeppel, confirmed that two Germans died Saturday, bringing the total number of dead from that country to eight.

In Paris, the French Foreign Ministry said that a French citizen injured in the blast had died. Four Tunisians were also killed, including the truck's driver.