Communicated by Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports Spokesman Jerusalem, 24 July 1997 Dotan Committee Report on Maccabiah bridge disaster The report of the committee which was appointed to investigate the bridge which collapsed at the start of the Maccabiah opening ceremony was submitted yesterday (Wednesday), 23.07.97, to Deputy Minister of Education, Culture and Sports Moshe Peled. Following is a summary of the Dotan Committee's report on the Maccabiah bridge disaster: MAIN CONCLUSIONS The bridge collapse disaster at the 15th Maccabiah opening ceremony was the result of a chain of failures which involved virtually all of the parties concerned, in particular: * Defective and partial planning which did not meet required standards. * The bridge was constructed by inexperienced contractors who were not licensed for bridge construction, partially in a negligent manner and below any acceptable standards. * Faulty coordination between the planning and implementing bodies. * Complete lack of a supervision and control system. * Construction took place without any work plans or operating instructions whatsoever. * Use of low-quality materials. * Use of ready-made materials already in stock, the planning of whose use was problematical. It should be noted that none of the parties concerned saw themselves as fully responsible for the bridge's construction and proper working order, and each of them relied on the others to guarantee that the bridge was fit for its intended use. The committee investigated and rejected the possibility that the bride's collapse was due to: earthquake, sabotage, roadwork in area of the bridge and greater than planned pedestrian traffic. No connection was found between ATV small tractors driving on the bridge and its collapse. RECOMMENDATIONS A. The Organizing Committee Events such as the Maccabiah, in which tens of thousands of people participate, must have professional management supervision including legal, technical and security bodies. These bodies could be part of a permanent internal system, or relevant specialist services could be hired. These bodies would help the chairman make proper procedural decisions, and operate decision and implementation supervision and control mechanisms. The Macabbiah organizing committee's decision-making process had many faults. It is recommended that the committee examine procedures which preceded the decision-making in an effort to improve the process. The organizing committee failed at every step of the decision-making process regarding the bridge's construction. It is desirable that the International Maccabiah Committee examine the decision-making process and draw the necessary conclusions regarding those who failed in it. B. Irgunit Company The committee recommends that the police open a criminal investigation of all of Irgunit's activities regarding the bridge's construction since the conclusions in its regard clearly show that the company was not qualified to build bridges, did not contact any authorized body, and thus built a bridge that was inappropriate for its intended use. C. Ben-Ezra/Cargola Company The committee recommends that the police open a criminal investigation of all activities regarding the construction of the bridge by Ben-Ezra/Cargola company. It is desirable that the Registrar of Contractors re-examine the company's qualifications as a legally registered construction company. Engineer Dr. Micha Bar-Ilan The committee recommends that Registrar of Engineers and Architects at the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs examine Dr. Micha Bar-Ilan's involvement in the bridge's construction, in particular his professional qualifications. It is also recommended that the Registrar investigate Dr. Bar-Ilan through disciplinary channels. It is desirable that that the police open a criminal investigation regarding Dr. Bar-Ilan's involvement in the case. Additionally, it is recommended that the Registrar of Engineers and Architects investigate Dr. Bar-Ilan's ethical and professional conduct. D. General Recommendations It is desirable that mandatory standards for bridge construction be decided upon and that all bridges be built according to it. It is desirable that the Minister of the Interior act to correct -- in accordance with the Planning and Building Law -- regulations regarding certificates for temporary structures, and the procedures for their registration. It is recommended that the Minister of the Interior, Minister of Public Security and the Minister of Labor and Social Affairs examine the Licensing of Businesses Law, Safety in Public Places Law, and the Planning and Building Law in an effort to create an effective and professional supervision and control system. It is recommended that the Israel Police -- in accordance with the Safety in Public Places Law and the Licensing of Businesses Law -- prepare a list of appointed authorized examiners to test the relevant technical aspects when Police permits and licenses are required for public events. The aim of such a list would assist preparing legislation to implement the issues raised in section 3 above. The duty of said examiners will be to check and recommend to the relevant police bodies plans accompanying requests in accordance with the above laws.