Israelis halt search in collapsed dance hall

Rescue workers have stopped searching for survivors of the wedding hall collapse in west Jerusalem, saying all guests and employees…

Rescue workers have stopped searching for survivors of the wedding hall collapse in west Jerusalem, saying all guests and employees have been accounted for.

Major General Gabi Ofir said the risk of continuing the searches in the unstable ruins of the three-story building was too great to continue combing the rubble.

About 600 guests attended the wedding Thursday evening at the Versailles banquet hall, and police said about 50 employees attended to them.

The collapse killed 24 people. More than 160 people remain hospitalised including 16 who are in a serious condition.

  • Join The Irish Times on WhatsApp and stay up to date

  • Sign up for push alerts to get the best breaking news, analysis and comment delivered directly to your phone

  • Listen to In The News podcast daily for a deep dive on the stories that matter