Frantic Efforts Continue at Tel Aviv Collapse Site to Rescue Victims Trapped Under Rubble
by JNS.org
JNS.org – Rescue efforts to save those trapped under the rubble of a collapsed parking facility in Tel Aviv became frantic Tuesday, as concerns mounted that possible survivors were running out of oxygen.
Four people were killed and 23 others were wounded Monday when an underground parking facility in Ramat Hahayal, a neighborhood in northern Tel Aviv, collapsed. Authorities believe there are three people still trapped under the debris. There are also concerns that, as the site is excavated, the work may cause a secondary collapse of the remaining walls.
The cause of the collapse remains unknown at this time, and the issue is under police investigation. The Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare’s Safety Directorate is working closely with the investigation, which has been placed under a gag order.
The IDF Homefront Command, which is heading rescue efforts, deployed hundreds of its soldiers at the site, assisted by the military’s Oketz canine unit. Large numbers of police and emergency services personnel are assisting in the rescue efforts at well.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the site on Monday evening, to ensure rescue workers have access to all necessary resources.
“Rescue efforts are being handled professionally and as quickly as possible, to find anyone who might be trapped. This is an immense effort, very professional and challenging, and we wish all the injured a speedy recovery,” he said.