Israel, 38 Dead in Spectator Stand Collapse at Religious Festival Venue (Update)

100,000 People Gather at Festival Site... Collapse Due to Overload
Religious Events Increase as COVID-19 Restrictions Lifted

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] At a religious festival event in Israel, a spectator stand collapsed, resulting in at least 38 deaths and over 100 injuries. Israel, which has the highest vaccination rate in the world, has recently lifted quarantine measures for vaccinated individuals, leading to a series of religious events and festivals that had not been held for some time.

According to local media such as the Times of Israel on the 29th (local time), at the 'Lag BaOmer' festival held at Mount Meron in the northern Galilee region of Israel, the spectator stand collapsed, causing 38 deaths and over 100 injuries. Approximately 100,000 people gathered for the festival, and it is estimated that the collapse occurred when the stand could no longer bear the weight as people were dancing and singing on it during the event.

The Lag BaOmer festival began to commemorate the end of a plague that claimed many Jewish lives during the 2nd century Roman Empire rule. On this day, Jews are known to light bonfires and gather to dance together in celebration. Especially in Israel, which has the highest vaccination rate worldwide, recent announcements to lift quarantine restrictions for vaccinated individuals have led to the reopening of various events and festivals that had been unable to take place until now.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.