This article from one of the leading English-language Egyptian papers highlights Egyptian forensic reports of the Hussein bomb. The reports indicate that the bomb which detonated had been left under a bench in Al-Hussein Square, and was not thrown from a overlooking window or rooftop. In addition, details are provided of the composition of the device.
The report stated that the bomb, which weighed in at between half a kilo and 750 g was comprised of two canisters placed inside a plastic water cooler. It was detonated with a timer taken from a washing machine. The bomb was filled with gunpowder and rocks.
I am neither a forensics nor a bomb expert, but this seems pretty rudimentary to me. In addition, the article notes that
Authorities are attempting to trace the origins of the gunpowder used in the bomb, which forensic reports indicated were of the type used for fireworks used during the Eid festivities. Police are questioning fireworks manufacturers in Izbet Abu Hashish and Manshiyet Nasser. The bomb was filled with gunpowder and rocks.
If one were in Cairo on Eid after sundown, one would hear a never ending symphony of what sounds like gunshots or small explosions — thousands of children playing with homemade fireworks which they purchase for less than a dollar, and which of course contain gunpowder. I would assume the government is investigating other possibilities which are not mentioned in the article, but I would not be surprised if the questioning of the fireworks manufacturers does not prove to be terribly fruitful.
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