Tragedy at Keshet Cave: 16-year-old boy dies after 30-meter fall

A 16-year-old boy died this evening, Sunday, after falling from a height of 30 to 40 meters at Keshet Cave, apparently while rappelling. Following a complex rescue operation in difficult terrain, MDA paramedics descended to him using rappelling gear, performed resuscitation efforts, and were ultimately forced to pronounce his death.

At 18:10, a report was received at the MDA 101 emergency center in the Asher region regarding a boy who had fallen from a height near Keshet Cave. Initially, it was reported that the boy was unconscious, and emergency, medical, and rescue forces were dispatched to the scene.

According to the Fire and Rescue Authority, the boy fell from a height estimated at 30 to 40 meters and was found motionless. Teams from the Zevulun station and the Special Rescue Unit (YALAM) of the Kiryat station were dispatched to the location, along with teams from the Galil-Carmel rescue unit.

Due to the complex terrain, the initial medical forces did not have foot access to the boy. Consequently, a complex rescue operation was conducted, and simultaneously, a helicopter rescue team from Unit 669 was dispatched to the scene.

Paramedics from the MDA intensive care team, who also volunteer in the rescue unit, descended to the scene using rappelling gear. After resuscitation attempts, they were forced to pronounce the death of the boy, who suffered from multi-system trauma.

MDA paramedics Maimon Gabay and Legal Dror said:

"We received a report about a boy who fell from a great height, apparently while rappelling. We descended to the scene using rappelling gear and saw the boy unconscious, without a pulse and not breathing, with severe injuries to his body. We provided him with advanced medical care that included resuscitation efforts, but to our great regret, we had no choice but to pronounce his death."