‘Devastating scenes’: Boris Johnson sends condolences after Lag B’Omer tragedy

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has sent his condolences to those affected by the Lag B’Omer tragedy in northern Israel.

At least 44 people were crushed to death and more 100 people were injured after a stampede at the mass gathering in Mount Meron.

Children are feared to be among those dead and injured.

Mr Johnson said this morning: “Devastating scenes at the Lag B’Omer festival in Israel. My thoughts are with the Israeli people and those who have lost loved ones in this tragedy.”

James Cleverly, the government’s Minister for Middle East and North Africa, added his thoughts with those involved in the disaster, thought to be among Israel’s worst loss of life in peacetime.

“Such a terrible incident at the Lag B’Omer festival at Mount Meron last night,” he said.

“My thoughts are with those who have lost loved ones, and all those affected by this disaster, the people of Israel and the wider Jewish community.”

Local media estimate that up to 100,000 people took part in the event, remember Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, the second-century sage who is buried there.

Police sources have told media they believe the stampede was caused when worshippers tripped on stairs, causing others to fall on top of them.

Another factor may have been large numbers of people forcing their way through a narrow passage, according to witnesses and video footage.