Hundreds injured, treated in Meron during Lag Ba’omer celebrations
People suffered injuries in degrees varying from light to severe as a result of wounds, burns, dehydration and other medical problems.
By JUDY SIEGEL-ITZKOVICHUpdated: MAY 16, 2017 04:18An Ultra-Orthodox Jewish girl stands around a bonfire as she celebrates the Jewish holiday of Lag Ba'Omer in the city of Ashdod, Israel May 13, 2017. (photo credit: REUTERS)
More than 1,400 people were treated by Magen David Adom and United Hatzalah medics and paramedics at the Lag Ba’omer celebrations at Meron in the last few days, while dozens more were treated, and some hospitalized, after injuries at bonfires around the country.MDA reported on Monday that its first responders treated 579 people on the hill near Safed that is the burial place of Rabbi Shimon Bar-Yochai. They suffered injuries in degrees varying from light to severe as a result of wounds, burns, dehydration and other medical problems.Out of those patients, 54 required further medical treatment and were evacuated to Ziv and Poria hospitals in MDA ambulances and mobile intensive care units.Among them was an 18-year-old man who was severely injured as a result of falling from height.Those 12 who needed MDA treatment at bonfires in other places were lightly injured with smoke inhalation, burns and wounds; five required evacuating to hospitals.United Hatzalah volunteers treated 763 people at Meron. UH asked that parents not bring small children to the grave site at Meron, as it was dangerous due to the heat and lack of oxygen, but not all heeded the message.