Synagogue Stands Collapse On Jewish Holiday, Two People Killed Hundreds More Injured In Jerusalem

JAKARTA - At least two worshippers were killed and more than 100 others injured on Sunday, May 16, when a stand housing worshippers at a synagogue under construction in a Jewish settlement in the occupied West Bank, Israel's national ambulance service said.

A police spokesman said 650 worshippers were at the Giv'at Ze'ev place of worship to start the Jewish holiday in Shavuot, northwest of Jerusalem.

The local mayor, senior firefighters and police officials said the activity took place without permission and there had been an official warning the building was unsafe.

Magen ambulance service spokesman David Adom said at least two people were killed. Ambulances and military helicopters transported the injured to hospitals.

Security footage broadcast on Channel 12 TV showed the crowded stands collapsing and worshippers falling on top of each other.

"We were called again to another event where there was negligence and a lack of responsibility. There will be arrests," Jerusalem District police chief Doron Turgeman said from the scene aired by Israeli television, as reported by Reuters Monday, May 17.

Meanwhile, a firefighter at the scene told Israel's Channel 13 that worshippers appeared to be trapped under the bleachers' benches. More than 100 people were injured, according to Israel's emergency medical services.

The incident again prompted a major statement on security in ultra-Orthodox Jewish activities, after the group's previous annual pilgrimage also resulted in incidents that resulted in fatalities.

Tens of thousands of ultra-Orthodox Jews have gathered at the Tomb of Mount Meron of the 2nd-century Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai for the annual Lag B'Omer commemorations, which include prayers and dances throughout the night, on Friday, April 30. As a result, 45 people were reported killed in the incident.