Update: One of the injured has died of his injuries.
Initial details are emerging about the explosive device detonation in Ramim Ridge, in the area between Manara and Yiftach in northern Israel, that injured between 12 and 14 people according to preliminary reports—including one student in very critical condition and four in serious condition.
The incident involved a group of approximately 15-year-old students from the “800 Maalot” yeshiva who went on a field trip in the area accompanied by educational staff. During the trip, participants spotted a suspicious object lying apparently near the road.
From initial details, one of the students approached the object—suspected to be unexploded ordnance from military equipment—and touched it. Investigators are examining the possibility that the student put the device in his bag and only then did it explode. At that point, a powerful explosion occurred, causing his injury and the injuries of additional students who were near him. Following the explosion, numerous rescue forces were called to the scene, and the incident was declared a mass casualty event. Helicopters were dispatched to the area to evacuate the wounded to hospitals.
Medical teams are working to stabilize the condition of the student who was critically wounded, while the other casualties are suffering from injuries of varying severity. It should be emphasized that the circumstances of the explosion are still not entirely clear, and the information that one of the students touched the device is based at this stage on a preliminary report only. Official confirmation of the exact circumstances that led to the explosion has not yet been received.