Colombo (PTI): Over 100 passengers travelling in a bus in Sri Lanka had a narrow escape when a suspected LTTE bomber was nabbed while trying to plant a briefcase full of explosives in the crowded vehicle.

The bomb was detected by an Army Sergeant on board the bus. His timely action saved the lives of nearly 100 innocent passengers last evening, army officials said here on Saturday. The bus was plying between Maharagama and North-western Kurunegala area, they said.

The armyman in the bus, who noticed the suspicious movement of a well-dressed "gentleman" carrying a brand new briefcase, tried to get the luggage away from him and that led to the uncovering of the explosives. The army officials said the briefcase contained explosives and detonator which was to be exploded at any given moment, it said.

The passengers then overpowered the bomber and handed him over to Padukka Police station. "Had that not been the presence of mind of the Army Sergeant, many precious lives of the passengers would have been blown to pieces once the bomber receives the signal," the army said in a statement.