Israeli rescue service confirms first deaths in stampede
JERUSALEM (AP) â Israel's national rescue service has officially confirmed some deaths at a stampede during a religious festival in northern Israel.
Zaki Heller, spokesman for the Magen David Adom service, told Army Radio early Friday that some 150 people were hospitalized and that there were deaths.
He did not provide an exact figure, but Israeli media, citing anonymous medical officials, have said more than 40 people died.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS STORY. AP's earlier story follows below.
A stampede broke out early Friday at a Jewish religious gathering attended by tens of thousands of people in northern Israel, leaving scores injured, authorities said. Israeli media reported that at least 40 people were killed and published photos of rows of bodies.