Maccabiah bridge collapse

   Coordinates:
   
       32°5 
       N°34
   

Maccabiah Bridge Collapse

Maccabiah bridge collapse site

The Maccabiah bridge collapse was a tragic accident that occurred on July 14, 1997, during the opening ceremony of the 15th Maccabiah Games in Ramat Gan, Israel. The collapse resulted in the deaths of four athletes and injuries to 60 others, primarily members of the Australian delegation.

Background

The Maccabiah Games are an international Jewish and Israeli multi-sport event held every four years in Israel. The 15th Maccabiah Games were set to open with a grand ceremony, which included a parade of athletes across a temporary bridge over the Yarkon River.

The Collapse

Yarkon River, site of the bridge collapse

The temporary pedestrian bridge, constructed to facilitate the athletes' procession, collapsed under the weight of the Australian delegation as they crossed. The collapse sent many athletes into the polluted waters of the Yarkon River, which exacerbated the injuries due to the river's contamination.

Aftermath

The immediate aftermath of the collapse saw a frantic rescue operation. Many athletes were pulled from the river and rushed to nearby hospitals, including Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv.

Ichilov Hospital, where many victims were treated

The incident led to widespread criticism of the event's organizers and the construction company responsible for the bridge. Investigations revealed that the bridge was poorly constructed and not designed to hold the weight of the athletes.

Legal and Political Repercussions

Elyakim Rubinstein, involved in the legal proceedings

The collapse led to legal proceedings against the engineers and construction company involved. The Israeli government faced significant pressure to improve safety standards for public events. The incident also strained diplomatic relations between Israel and Australia, as the Australian government demanded accountability and justice for the victims.

Memorials and Commemoration

In the years following the tragedy, memorials have been held to honor the victims. The incident remains a somber reminder of the importance of safety in event planning and infrastructure.

Related Pages

• Maccabiah Games
• Yarkon River
• Ramat Gan
• Tel Aviv