The IDF has declared a mass casualty event after an explosion went off near a group of students hiking in an open area near Neot Mordechai in northern Israel. About 20 people were wounded, some of them critically, according to initial reports.
The blast was apparently caused by an old unexploded rocket that went off close to the group, though the cause has not been confirmed.
Israel Police said reports came in of an explosion heard near Neot Mordechai, with several people wounded. Officers from the Northern District and police bomb disposal experts were sent to the scene to identify the source of the blast.
IDF and Magen David Adom helicopters were dispatched to evacuate the wounded, and rescue teams are still working at the site.
Earlier reports placed the incident near Kibbutz Yiftah on the Ramim Ridge, along the border with Lebanon. MDA initially reported 12 casualties with injuries of varying severity, and later said four of the wounded were unconscious and four others conscious.
Amit Segal says that it's possible that teachers and students were on a hike and they were hit by the explosion.
This was confirmed by Eliyahu, the father of one of the students, who said: “These are middle school and high school students. The trip was organized and approved. I ask that we dedicate this time to prayers for the wounded.”
It's also possible that the cause of the explosion was the identified object that crossed from Lebanon into Israel, which forces have been searching for.
