The Ohr Yarok NGO, which addresses road safety issues in Eretz Yisrael, is questioning why the guardrail on the roadway in Tiveria did not hold the minivan, instead giving way and permitting the van to plummet down the ravine, flipping and bursting into flames.

Ohr Yarok officials told Israel Radio on Tuesday morning, that the fatal accident that claimed eight lives all members of one family, may be the result of numerous failures, both the vehicle and the guardrails. Ohr Yarok explains guardrails are set in place to prevent this exact scenario and the failure of the equipment to operate as it should compel an inspection of guardrails around the country to ascertain if they are defective as well.

According to preliminary information released by police investigators, the mother phoned police shouting “Hashem save us”, explaining the vehicles brakes failed and her husband was seeking phone instructions how to act. Her efforts were too late, as the police dispatcher heard the crash and the subsequent screams from the occupants as it flipped down the ravine and burst into flames. Israel Radio reported that the vehicle passed annual inspection three months ago, leading investigators to check the inspection station to determine if a proper safety inspection was performed.

Transportation Minister Yisrael Katz has ordered an investigation as to what garage inspected and certified the vehicle and when, stating if there was any foul play, the responsible parties will be held accountable.

Firefighters arrived quickly as the station is situated very close to the site of the fatal accident but there was nothing to be done regarding life-saving measures – it was simply too late R”L.

Residents of the family’s community, Moshav Bar Yochai near Kever Rashbi are broken and explain they are trying to console one another but find it difficult to find the words to adequately address the scope of the tragedy that has befallen them.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)