45 dead in Israeli tragedy: What Prime Minister Netanyahu says

During his visit to the site near Mount Meron on Friday, he said a serious investigation would ensure that a disaster of this kind will never happen again, the BBC writes, the Express broadcasts.

At least 45 people died and 150 others suffered injuries during the night-long ceremony at the so-called Lag BʹOmer Festival, in which tens of thousands of Jewish believers participated. It's not clear what caused the mess.

There were scenes here that broke your heart. People oppressed to death, including children”, said Netanyahu in front of reporters at the site where the tragedy occurred.

Police sources told a local newspaper that the toll began when some people slipped down the stairs, which caused the fall of others. However, this has not been officially confirmed.

Two witnesses told the newspaper “Haretz” that a barricade imposed by police prevented participants from leaving the area of the influx.