A number of U.S. citizens were among the dozens killed and injured in a stampede at a Jewish religious festival in Israel, a U.S. Embassy spokesperson said on Saturday.
At least 45 people were killed and more than 100 injured in the accident on the slopes of Israel’s Mount Meron, that took place overnight between Thursday and Friday.
“We can confirm that multiple U.S. citizens were among the casualties,” the spokesperson said, noting that casualties included both dead and injured.
“The U.S. Embassy is working with local authorities to verify whether any additional U.S. citizens were affected, and is providing all possible consular support to affected U.S. citizens and their loved ones. Out of respect for the families at this difficult time, we have no further comment.”
The Israeli Foreign Ministry said on Friday that consulate officials in New York were in contact with four families of victims and the embassy in Argentina was in contact with one family.
Moreover, the Israeli Health Ministry said 32 of the dead had been identified by late Friday, adding that the identification process was paused for 24 hours in observance of the Jewish Sabbath and would resume Saturday evening.
Besides U.S., Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated that he was informed of the death of two Canadians in the accident.
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