BICOM

A private bus collided with a truck transporting a number of tractors yesterday afternoon in the southern Negev region, killing eight women from the Bedouin community.

The accident took place near the Lehavim junction, on Route 31, a two-lane road which is a notorious hot spot for accidents. The two vehicles collided as they passed each other and medical teams were quickly rushed to the scene. In addition, 14 fire-fighting teams were sent to help extricate the wounded from the wreckage, while IDF helicopters helped evacuated the injured to hospital.

Eight female bus passengers, all in their fifties were killed and more than 30 people were reported to have been injured. The bus had been transporting residents of the Bedouin town of Hura back from the al-Aqsa Mosque on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, where they had gone to pray and tour the holy site. A day of mourning was declared in Hura for today.

Yoram Halevi, Israel Police’s Southern District commander said that it was too early to apportion blame for the incident, but that an investigation was underway. Israel Radio news reports that the drivers of the two vehicles had already been questioned on suspicion of negligent manslaughter. However, some reports suggest that the truck was carrying tractors too wide for the road, infringing regulations. The front pages of both Yediot Ahronot and Israel Hayom this morning carry the headline, “Bus of Death.”

Last October, one person was killed and 10 injured in a pile up near the Lehavim junction, with the surrounding roads having long been considered too dangerous. Work was apparently begun three years ago to increase the safety of the road. However, Ashak al-Kian a member of the Hura Regional Council said “The work on this road has taken too long,” adding “This is a serious tragedy.”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu quickly expressed his condolences over the loss of life and wished the injured a speedy and full recovery, according to his office.