One killed, 19 'Israelis' injured in explosion close to Lebanon border

• Initial investigations suggest a student picked up the device and placed it in their backpack prior to its detonation shortly after 3:00 p.m.
• Three helicopters evacuated victims to regional hospitals, treating eight individuals with severe or moderate injuries.
• Security forces, military units, and police are investigating whether the explosive was a remnant rocket warhead or an explosive charge.

A 15-year-old boy was killed and 19 others -including middle and high school students and teachers- were injured when unexploded ordnance detonated during an annual school trip near Kibbutz Neot Mordechai in the Upper Galilee on Monday afternoon.

The explosion occurred shortly after 3:00 p.m. in an open area near the northern border, where students were participating in an authorized, organized school hike.

Preliminary findings from the initial investigation reported by i24NEWS and Channel 14 indicate that one of the students touched the explosive object and potentially placed it inside their personal backpack prior to the blast.

A source familiar with the investigation claimed the severity of the incident, alleging that the device "could have exploded on the bus."

Magen David Adom ('Israel’s' national emergency) Yardan Region Director Itzik Shushan described a complex mass-casualty scene upon the arrival of emergency medical teams.

MDA dispatched ambulances, Mobile Intensive Care Units, and medical helicopters alongside three 'Israeli' rescue helicopters to transport the critically and moderately injured victims to area hospitals.

Following the incident, the 'Israeli' Prime Minister's Office confirmed that 'Israeli' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was briefed on the tragedy and held consultations with MDA Director-General Eli Bin, Education Minister Yoav Kisch, and his military secretary to ensure rapid medical evacuation and ongoing situation assessments.

Security forces, bomb disposal units, and the Kiryat Shmona Police Chief confirmed that military and police personnel are actively inspecting the site.

Authorities noted it has not yet been definitively determined whether the explosive device was an improvised charge or a rocket warhead left over from recent fighting, as joint criminal and security investigations continue.

This article has been updated according to the developments.