Truck Ramming in Tel Aviv Area Leaves One Dead, 33 Injured: 10 Seriously Injured

Truck Ramming in Tel Aviv Area Leaves One Dead, 33 Injured: 10 Seriously Injured

Edited by: Fern Sidman

A tragic incident unfolded this morning near Cinema City in Glilot, close to Tel Aviv, when a truck struck a large group of pedestrians. According to a report on the Israel National News web site, the collision injured at least 33 people, and one victim later succumbed to his injuries at Ichilov Medical Center despite intensive efforts by medical staff. The truck, operated by an Israeli Arab citizen named Rami Natur, reportedly drove into a group of people waiting near a bus stop, raising suspicions that the event may have been an intentional attack.

At 10:08 AM, a report was received in MDA’s 101 Emergency Call Center in the Yarkon Region of a truck hitting a bus stop on Aharon Yariv Boulevard in Ramat Hasharon. MDA EMTs and Paramedics are currently providing medical treatment on site to dozens of casualties pic.twitter.com/ZRuglrvwtH

— Magen David Adom (@Mdais) October 27, 2024

Israeli authorities have launched an investigation to determine whether this event was a deliberate act of terrorism, given the circumstances surrounding the collision, as was reported by INN. The driver, Rami Natur, a resident of Qalansawe, was reportedly “neutralized” by authorities at the scene.

Upon the incident’s occurrence, a significant police force was dispatched to secure the area and manage traffic. In addition, extensive emergency medical resources were rapidly mobilized to address the scale of casualties and the critical condition of many victims. Indicated in the INN report was that Magen David Adom (MDA) Director-General Eli Bin characterized the incident as “very serious,” noting the significant number of injuries and confirming that numerous ambulances had arrived at the scene to transport victims to hospitals.

Reports indicate that at least ten of the injured are in critical condition, with four in serious condition, two in moderate condition, and four sustaining lighter injuries, as was noted in the INN report. These individuals were transferred to Ichilov and Beilinson hospitals for further medical care.

United Hatzalah volunteer EMT Eliyah Tubul was among the first to reach the site. He reported that both a truck and a bus were involved in the incident and confirmed that several pedestrians were struck. “United Hatzalah medical teams are currently providing initial treatment to approximately 30 people (at this stage) who sustained varying degrees of injuries. Some of them are still trapped under the truck,” Tubul said, as per the information provided in the INN report.

Other United Hatzalah volunteers, including EMT Aharon Yaakobson, paramedic Yaron Schiff, and EMT Yair Porush, also provided support. EMT Yaakobson described the scene as “difficult,” highlighting the involvement of both the truck and bus in causing injuries to a large number of pedestrians. INN also reported that emergency responders worked alongside fire crews to extricate those trapped under the truck, some of whom were critically injured.

United Hatzalah’s Psychotrauma and Crisis Response Unit also arrived to provide assistance for individuals experiencing emotional shock due to the traumatic incident. The intensity of the situation left both victims and responders profoundly affected by the event’s severity.

In the wake of the incident, police advised drivers to avoid the area around Cinema City and Glilot due to ongoing emergency response operations. They instructed motorists to seek alternative routes to minimize congestion and allow emergency personnel unhindered access to the scene.

Authorities have confirmed that they are examining the possibility that the incident was an act of terrorism. Given the location, the large number of victims, and the potential intent of the driver, law enforcement agencies are carefully reviewing the circumstances surrounding the event, the INN report said. The driver, Rami Natur, has been identified as an Israeli Arab from Qalansawe, a factor that could potentially influence the direction of the investigation if a motive is determined.

While no official confirmation has been given regarding the intent, police are leaving no possibility unexplored as they work to clarify the incident’s background. The tragic loss of life and high number of injuries underscore the seriousness of the situation, warranting a thorough and methodical inquiry.

This incident has left a profound impact on the Tel Aviv area, bringing forth both grief for the loss of life and concern for the well-being of those injured. The Psychotrauma and Crisis Response Unit’s presence at the scene was essential in assisting individuals dealing with emotional distress following the traumatic event, as was noted in the INN report. Local authorities, community leaders, and organizations are expected to rally in support of the victims and their families as they face the aftermath of this tragic event.

The investigation is ongoing, and more details are expected to emerge in the coming days as authorities complete their assessments.