Over 40 die at religious festivities in Israel

At least 44 people were killed at mass Lag Ba'Omer festivities in Mount Meron in northern Israel, Report informs, citing Haaretz.

Over 150 injured, with six in critical condition, and 18 in serious condition, according to Israeli ambulance service Magen David Adom estimates.

Since the site was so densely populated, search and rescue authorities say they struggled to evacuate trapped people. According to police sources, the stampede was caused after some revelers slipped on steps, causing dozens of more people to fall over.

Mobile reception had crashed at Mount Meron as families were searching for missing loved ones.

Lag BaOmer, also Lag B'Omer, is a Jewish religious holiday celebrated on the 33rd day of the Counting of the Omer, which occurs on the 18th day of the Hebrew month of Iyar.

People lit bonfires on this day.