Mikel Merino Credits 'Angel' for Survival in Dortmund Bus Bombing
The Arsenal midfielder recounted his close call during the 2017 attack on the Borussia Dortmund team bus, describing how a change of seat likely saved his life.
Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino has spoken about his survival during the 2017 Borussia Dortmund bus bombing, attributing his safety to what he described as an "angel." The incident occurred as the team was en route to a Champions League match against Monaco.
The attack involved three pipe bombs detonated near the bus. Dortmund defender Marc Bartra sustained a wrist injury, and a police officer was also treated for injuries. Merino, who was 20 at the time, was on the bus but escaped unharmed.
Merino recounted the experience in an interview with The Players' Tribune, stating, "I think I have an angel on my shoulder. I'm actually fortunate to be alive at all." He described hearing a "deafening noise" and the bus nearly tipping over, recalling "blood on the floor. Smoke, screams."
He later learned that a significant piece of shrapnel had lodged in the headrest of the seat directly next to Bartra. This was reportedly Merino's usual seat. However, on that particular day, he had opted to move forward due to feeling that his legs were tight and the front seats reclined.
"My legs were feeling a bit tight, and the seats in the front reclined. So I sat up there instead, and it may have saved my life," Merino said. "So yeah, I just have this belief that things happen for a reason."
The pipe bombs, hidden in hedges along the road, were filled with metal pins and had an estimated reach of 100 meters. The attack took place around 7:15 p.m. local time.
Following an investigation, Sergej Wenergold, then 29, was charged with 28 counts of attempted murder. He was sentenced to 14 years in prison, reportedly stating during his trial that his motive was to profit from a drop in Borussia Dortmund's stock price through betting, rather than to kill the players.
Thomas Tuchel, who was the manager of Dortmund at the time, expressed his frustration with UEFA's immediate response. He stated that the primary question asked after the attack was whether the team was ready to play, likening it to a minor incident rather than a serious bombing, and that the players did not feel adequately consulted.
