17 Injured in Collision Between Minibus and Bus on Ayalon Highway; Minibus Driver in Serious Condition

In depth

17 people were injured this morning in a collision between a minibus and a bus on the Ayalon Highway heading south, near the Rokach Interchange in Tel Aviv. The minibus driver, about 50 years old, was seriously injured and trapped in his vehicle. MDA crews extricated him and provided medical treatment to the injured at the scene. According to a statement from Ichilov Hospital, eight injured people arrived for treatment, including six girls and another adult who was lightly injured.

In the accident, the minibus driver and a 17-year-old girl were injured, the girl moderately. Eight other people were lightly injured. Preliminary investigation indicates that the minibus driver entered a public transportation lane across a dividing line and was struck by a bus. Footage of the accident shows the minibus crossing five lanes before the collision. After the collision, the minibus slid toward a concrete wall.

Heavy traffic congestion formed at the scene, and the road heading south was closed to traffic during rush hour. Traffic police are directing drivers and warning of congestion in the area. The injured were taken to Ichilov Hospital and to the children's emergency department at Dana-Dwek Hospital.