Von Stauffenberg naturally assumed that Hitler had been killed. However, from his position near the right-hand corner of the table, von Stauffenberg had placed the briefcase outside the solid transverse support, and this and the heavy table top itself, which Hitler was leaning over, acted as perfect blast deflectors. Those standing to the right of the support were severely, four mortally, wounded; the others, including Hitler, suffered shock, burst eardrums, burns, but otherwise minor laceration from splinters.
