40 people killed, more than 100 injured in Afratfari during a religious ceremony in Israel
At least 40 people have died and more than 100 people have been injured in a stampede in North Israel during the biggest religious event in the early hours of Friday. A large number of people had gathered at the annual religious event Lag B’Omer in Mount Meron. During this time the bonfire is lit all night, prayers are held and dances are organized.
The same city houses the mausoleum of the second-century saint Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai and is considered one of the largest religious sites for Jews. After a largely successful vaccination campaign in Israel, it was recently mandated to wear masks. Infection cases in Israel decreased after the vaccination campaign.
This resulted in “normal life with few restrictions” and thousands of people gathered at the venue on Thursday, including many youths, especially school children. Thousands of Orthodox Jews also visited the mausoleum of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai for the event.
Israel’s National Emergency Service Megan David Adam (MDA) official confirmed at least 38 people were killed in the incident and feared the death toll would rise. He said, “Our workers are treating thousands of people, many of whom are in critical condition.” All the injured have been evacuated and admitted to the hospital. ”About 150 people have been injured in the incident.
MDA Director General Eli Bin told Wynet news site that the injured have been admitted to SAFED’s Jeeva Hospital, Galilee Medical Center in Nahariya, Ramban Hospital in Haifa and Hadassah in Careem Hospital in Jerusalem. Firemen with the Israeli Air Force are engaged in the task of evacuating stranded people. Police is trying to evacuate thousands of people gathered for the event.
Initial police investigation revealed that some people slipped down the stairs after which a stampede ensued. According to local media, the organizers estimate that around one lakh people had reached the venue on Thursday night and many were to arrive on Friday. According to the news, the officials of the Ministry of Health have requested the people of Israel not to go to Mount Meron.
Rescuers are finding it difficult to evacuate people due to the densely populated area. Around 5,000 police officers were deployed for the event. Describing it as a “major tragedy”, the country’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has appealed to everyone to pray for the victims. Israeli President Ruwen Rivlin has expressed condolences to the victims.
