At least seven Palestinians were killed and three others seriously injured in an accident between a truck and a van on Thursday afternoon near the West Bank settlement of Petzael.
Magne David Edom Ambulance Service said when medics arrived, seven victims were found at the scene without any significant symptoms.
Three others were taken to Jerusalem’s Ain Kerem Hospital: a man, 18, with multiple-systemic injuries listed in critical condition, a 20-year-old man with multiple-systemic injuries, and a 35-year-old man in critical condition. , with injuries to his upper body, listed in moderate condition, the MDA said.
At least two passengers remained trapped inside the minivan, as the Israel Fire and Rescue Service assessed that rescue efforts would take some time.
According to doctors, both the vehicles belonged to Palestinians. The cause of the accident was not immediately clear.
The collision occurred near the intersection of Route 90 and Route 505 in the Jordan Valley of the West Bank, an area where settlements and Palestinian villages are linked by winding roads known to be dangerous for drivers. Israeli activists have lobbied for years for Route 90, a two-lane road that runs the length of Israel and crosses the West Bank, to be upgraded with more security measures.
The scene of a fatal traffic accident near the West Bank settlement of Petzaale on January 6, 2022. (courtesy)
Following the accident, Israel Police blocked Route 90 in both directions as well as blocked Route 505. MDA helicopters and military helicopters were dispatched to the scene to assist in the rescue operation.
Earlier on Thursday, a 25-year-old Palestinian pedestrian was killed when he was hit by an Israeli vehicle on Route 443 near the Maccabim checkpoint. Police was investigating the incident.