Stampede at religious celebration in Israel leaves dozens dead | DW News

In Israel, at least 44 people have been killed and around 150 others injured in a stampede at a religious gathering attended by tens of thousands. It happened at Mount Meron in the northern part of the country - where ultra-Orthodox Jews were holding an all-night prayer and dance celebration. Footage from social media shows the scene shortly before tragedy struck. A densely packed crowd dancing ecstatically at the annual Lag BaOmer celebration. Authorities believe overcrowding is likely to blame for the fatalities and injuries. Rescue workers say many of the dead were either trampled to death or suffocated.