Stampede kills dozens and injures 150+ at orthodox Jewish bonfire festivals

At least 45 people have been killed and more than 150 injured in a stampede at an overcrowded religious bonfire festival in northern #Israel. More than a dozen victims remain in critical condition, and it has been reported that children are among the casualties.

The festival, primarily attended by ultra-Orthodox Jews, had been authorized to host 10,000 people, but organizers said more than 30,000 pilgrims had packed together for the annual celebration. Local media reported that areas cordoned off for Covid-19 regulations may have created unexpected choke points.

A number of those trampled or asphyxiated by the crowd remained unnoticed until the order to disperse was given over the PA system. Video footage from the events shows attendees continuing to dance to music as first responders push their way through the crowd.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared Sunday a day of mourning following the deadly event, saying the ‘catastrophe is one of the worst to ever befall the State of Israel’.

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