Two dead, dozens injured after grandstand collapses in Jerusalem

Two killed and 54 injured after grandstand collapses in Givat Ze’ev synagogue during Shavuot prayers.

Two people were killed and at least 54 were injured when a grandstand collapsed at a synagogue in Givat Ze’ev in Jerusalem during Shavuot prayers on Sunday evening.

It is believed that approximately 600 people were at the synagogue at the time of the incident.

Magen David Adom paramedics said 54 injured victims were evacuated to the hospitals, including five in serious condition, four in moderate condition and 45 in light condition.

20 victims, including two in serious condition, one in moderate condition and 17 in light condition were evacuated to Shaare Zedek Hospital.

14 victims, including one in moderate condition and 13 in light condition, were evacuated to Hadassah Mount Scopus Hospital.

20 victims, including three in serious condition, two in moderate condition and 15 in light condition, were evacuated to Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital.

The IDF has dispatched fighters from the Home Front Command and medical forces from the Central Command to assist in the incident.

Israel Air Force helicopters and medical personnel were also rushed to the scene.

Jerusalem District Police Commander Doron Turgeman, who arrived at the scene of the incident, said, “The police instructed the local council that the synagogue should not be used. It is the responsibility of a local authority to prevent the entry of worshipers.”

“There are at least two dead in the incident. There was negligence and irresponsible conduct here, there will be arrests,” he added.

(Arutz Sheva’s North American desk is keeping you updated until the start of Shavuot in New York. The time posted automatically on all Arutz Sheva articles, however, is Israeli time.)