Bus-minibus crash on Ayalon Highway injures 10-17; driver seriously hurt

A collision between a bus and a minibus on the Ayalon Highway in Tel Aviv on Sunday injured between 10 and 17 people, according to varying reports. The minibus driver, about 50, was seriously injured; a 17-year-old girl was moderately hurt. Victims were taken to hospitals including Ichilov.

17 people were injured in a road accident this morning (Sunday) on the Ayalon Highway southbound, near the Rokach interchange. According to information received, the minibus driver tried to merge into the public transport lane, was hit by a bus and skidded into a concrete wall. The minibus driver, about 50 years old, was seriously injured and suffers from bruises to the head and limbs. A 17-year-old girl was moderately injured, and 15 others were lightly injured. The injured were evacuated to Ichilov, Sheba and Wolfson hospitals. Ichilov Hospital reported that eight injured arrived for treatment, including six girls and one adult in light condition, and that one of the minibus drivers is being treated in the trauma room in moderate condition. At this stage it is not clear whether this is the same driver that MDA previously reported as being in serious condition. Traffic police arrived at the scene, and traffic investigators were called to examine the circumstances of the accident. Following the collision, heavy traffic jams were recorded in the area. The full circumstances of the accident are still being investigated.