NAZRAN, October 10 (RIA Novosti) - A major terrorist attack was prevented Monday in Ingushetia, a Russian constituent republic in the North Caucasus, a spokesman for the Ingush Interior Ministry said.

"An explosive device weighing some 20 kilograms was found on the Kavkaz federal highway near [the Ingush capital of] Nazran," he said.

He said the device contained a metal box with explosives and bolts, a portable radio and a power source.

"But for the local resident who helped prevent the terrorist act it would have had serious consequences," the spokesman said.

He said the explosive device had been disarmed.