Initial indications suggest a group of hikers was struck by unexploded artillery that detonated in the area.
By United with Israel Staff
One person was killed and around 19 others wounded in an explosion during a school trip in northern Israel on Monday, authorities said.
The blast occurred between the communities of Manara and Yiftah near Israel’s northern border. Police said an initial investigation indicated that unexploded ordnance may have detonated, injuring the victims to varying degrees.
The municipality of Ma’alot-Tarshiha confirmed that the victims included students and staff from the ORT Ma’alot yeshiva high school who were taking part in an annual school trip.
Emergency and security forces rushed to the area following the explosion, with Magen David Adom and military helicopters dispatched to assist in evacuating the wounded.
Police officers have closed off and isolated the scene, while bomb disposal experts investigate the cause and source of the explosion. Authorities urged the public to stay away from the area and report any unexploded ordnance or suspicious objects to police.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was briefed on the incident and spoke with MDA Director-General Eli Bin, Education Minister Yoav Kisch and his military secretary, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.
Kisch described the explosion as a “very serious incident” and said his thoughts were with the wounded and their families. He said the Education Ministry was working with security forces and other authorities to assist the students, school staff and their families.
Kisch also urged the public not to spread unverified information while details of the incident were still being established.
This is a developing story.
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