A woman, 20, was killed Wednesday when lighting pole collapsed on stage during rehearsals for next week´s Independence Day celebrations on Mount Herzl.

MDA paramedics responded to the scene and attempted to resuscitate the woman to no avail. Personnel on the scene say at least 4 others were seriously injured, while 12 others sustained light injuries.

The wounded were immediately rushed to Shaare Zedek Hospital, where one is in critical condition. The other is said to be stable.

Six emergency crews were called to the scene and began searching for trapped victims, but at this time no more victims have been found.

MDA spokesman Tzvika Gronich said, "Multiple units were immediately dispatched. Paramedics tried to resuscitate a woman in her twenties for some time, but she was pronounced dead at the scene."

"The incident ended with eight moderate to severe injuries, and several light injuries," he added.

MDA workers Tzvi David said, "I arrived and immediately saw at least three seriously injured people. I started to resuscitate one individual, but sadly she did not survive.. We also tended to two other seriously injured people who were in critical condition."

Witnesses say that the lighting post collapsed after swaying in high winds.

The Fire Department reported it will open an investigation to examine the circumstances. (IsraelNationalNews © 2012 04/18/12)