2 Killed, 64 Hurt as Israeli Bridge Falls
A bridge leading to a stadium collapsed Monday as opening ceremonies for an international sports competition were about to begin, hurling dozens of Jewish athletes into a river. Two people died and 64 others were injured, police said.
The bridge, a temporary wooden span festooned with Israeli flags, broke apart while athletes were gathering for the 15th World Maccabiah Games, an Olympic-style event that drew about 5,600 Jewish athletes this year.
All the injured were from the 370-member Australian delegation, the first to cross the bridge to Ramat Gan Stadium for the athletes’ parade before a crowd of about 45,000 spectators.
Australian team manager Harry Purcell said about 100 athletes were on the bridge when it suddenly plunged 48 feet into the Yarkon River.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
