Dozens hurt in 'disastrous' crush at Israeli bonfire festival

At least 20 people were seriously injured in a crush at a religious bonfire festival in Israel on Friday, medics said, in what Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described as a "heavy disaster". On Twitter, Netanyahu called it a "heavy disaster" and added: "We are all praying for the wellbeing of the casualties." (Writing by Dan Williams; Editing by Stephen Coates)

At least 20 people were seriously injured in a crush at a religious bonfire festival in Israel on Friday, medics said, in what Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described as a "heavy disaster". Media reports said a section of stadium seating had collapsed at the Lag B'Omer event in northern Mount Meron, where tens of thousands of ultra-Orthodox Jews were gathered at the tomb of a 2nd-century sage for annual commemorations that include all-night prayer and dance.

The Magen David Adom ambulance service said dozens of people were hurt, including 20 who were in critical condition. On Twitter, Netanyahu called it a "heavy disaster" and added: "We are all praying for the wellbeing of the casualties." (Writing by Dan Williams; Editing by Stephen Coates)