An Irish Army bomb disposal expert has been treated for serious injuries following an explosion in a County Cork housing estate.
The officer, who is part of the Defense Forces Explosives and Ordnance Disposal team, was injured as he attempted to defuse
the pipe bomb-style device, which was found under a parked car in Ballyvolane last week.
However, it is understood the officer's protective outfit potentially saved his life after absorbing the brunt of the blast.
Garda suspect the device was linked to an on-going criminal feud in the area. A 34-year-old Cork man was arrested near the scene and was questioned under the Offences Against the State Act.
Meanwhile, following the explosion, a second bomb disposal officer completed the task of making the device safe, while his colleague was rushed to Cork University Hospital. He was released the following day after being treated for concussion and burns to his hands, among other injuries.
Hundreds of residents in the estate had been evacuated during the late night incident, and were housed in a nearby church until the area was declared safe.
Speaking of the mission to tackle the device, a Defense Forces Spokesman said: "It was during this procedure, whilst lying close to the vehicle, that the device detonated and the team leader was injured."
Colleagues of the injured officer said he had been "very lucky" to have survived the explosion.
