Teen Killed, 20 Injured in Unexploded Ordnance Blast During School Trip

A 15-year-old boy was killed and approximately 20 others were injured on Monday when an unexploded ordnance detonated during a school trip near the northern border. The victims were part of a group of teachers and students from the Orot High School in Ma'alot Tarshiha, on the first day of their trip along the Israel Trail. Three of the injured are in serious condition, and one is in moderate condition.

Emergency services, including 14 ambulances, responded to the scene. The IDF dispatched helicopters, rescue teams, bomb disposal units from the Yahalom special engineering unit, and other forces to investigate. The exact cause of the detonation is under investigation, with possibilities including someone stepping on the ordnance, a student collecting it, or it being a cluster bomb.

The municipality of Ma'alot Tarshiha stated that the mayor and city teams were coordinating with emergency and education officials. The Ministry of Education called the incident "extremely serious" and is working with security forces to provide support. The IDF is examining whether the group had authorization to be in the area and if the ordnance was left by IDF units or was fired by Hezbollah.

Magen David Adom reported receiving the call at 2:53 PM, with teams providing immediate medical care. The police confirmed the suspected ordnance explosion and are securing the scene. The Police Commissioner is en route, and the public is urged to stay away from the area and report any suspicious objects.

The Prime Minister's office announced that the Prime Minister had been briefed on the incident and was ensuring the injured received prompt medical attention. The Minister of Education is traveling to the north to visit the scene and a hospital where some of the injured were evacuated.