Strong winds caused the collapse of a heavy installation and lighting rig on top of Mount Herzl in Jerusalem, which was being used for Independence Day rehearsals.

Ambulance service, Magen David Adom (MDA), arrived at the scene within three minutes of receiving distress calls from witnesses reporting the incident.

One 20 year old woman died at the scene.

Most soldiers and workers involved in preparing the ceremony rehearsal were able to leave the incident unharmed. MDA treated six wounded; including five injured that were taken to Hadassah Ein Kerem and Shaare Zedek Medical Centres, and one person with minor injuries who did not need any further medical attention.

Head of Jerusalem paramedic services, Mordechai Ben, said: "We found few injured people, but we had to treat them for a long time." Jerusalem District Police have opened an investigation into the incident.