Israeli state watchdog to investigate religious festival stampede

FILE PHOTO: Emergency workers react upon revisiting the site where dozens were crushed to death in a stampede at a religious festival, as the country observes a day of mourning, at Mount Meron, Israel May 2, 2021. REUTERS/Amir Cohen

Israel's government watchdog said on Monday it would open an investigation into the death of 45 people who were crushed in a stampede at a Jewish religious festival last week.

State Comptroller Matanyahu Englman said his office, which audits the government, would look into the circumstances surrounding the event.

(Reporting by Ari Rabinovitch)