At least 44 killed and dozens more seriously injured in a mass stampede during Lag Ba’Omer celebrations in Meron. Air Force helicopters evacuate injured to hospitals.
Paramedics from Magen David Adom and United Hatzalah provided treatment to the victims, including several who were unconscious, and evacuated them to Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital in Jerusalem, Rambam Hospital in Haifa, Ziv Hospital in Tzfat, Poriya Hospital in Tiberias and the Galilee Medical Center in Nahariya.
Fighters from the Home Front Command’s rescue brigade, medical forces from the Northern Command and a number of Air Force helicopters with medical teams are assisting in treating the large number of victims in Meron.
Hundreds of thousands of people who were at the scene celebrating were evacuated with the help of police forces, ZAKA and volunteers. The roads leading to the area have been blocked to traffic.
Police called on the public at the scene to arrive at the bus stops and parking lots so that all visitors can be evacuated. “We ask all visitors on their way to Mount Meron to retrace their steps, the entrances to the site have been closed and visitors will not be allowed to enter.”
United Hatzalah medical personnel performed CPR on a number of critically injured individuals following the mass casualty incident in Meron that took place near the Toldot Aharon bonfire. In addition, medical volunteers from the organization treated dozens more who suffered serious, moderate, and light injuries.
CEO of United Hatzalah Eli Pollack, who was called in to manage the on-site dispatch, said: “This was a very tragic incident, and resulted in the loss of life. Dozens of United Hatzalah volunteers participated in performing CPR and providing medical treatment to dozens of people in varying states of injury. Some of the injured were transported to Ziv hospital in Tzefat and to the Galilee Medical Center in Nahariya by United Hatzalah ambulance teams.”
Chief Paramedic Avi Marcus said: “This was a terrible incident and is one that was very difficult for our responders. Dozens of people were injured, and sadly, numerous people were killed due to the severity of the injuries which they suffered. After the injured were all treated and transported to the hospital, members of United Hatzalah’s Psychotrauma and Crisis Response Unit provided emotional and psychological stabilization to the many people who were suffering from shock after witnessing the event. This was a mass casualty incident on many levels.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, “Tragedy on Mount Meron. We all pray for the healing of the injured. I want to strengthen the rescue forces operating in the area.”
President Reuven Rivlin said, “I am following the reports from Meron with great anxiety and praying for the healing of the wounded.”
