Dozens hurt in missile strike on southern Israeli city

2026-03-21 - 21:16

An Iranian ballistic missile tore into a residential neighborhood in Arad Saturday night, striking the city center directly between apartment buildings. Medical officials reported dozens of casualties with wounds ranging from light to critical, as large rescue forces – including helicopters – rushed to evacuate the wounded to hospitals. By 10:41 p.m., the toll stood at 12 lightly wounded, 11 with moderate injuries, and four in serious condition – with 27 people evacuated in total. Three buildings sustained extensive damage, and searches for additional casualties were still underway.  Video: The site of the Iranian missile impact in Arad on March 21, 2026 / Credit: Usage under Israeli intellectual property law Article 27a Fire and rescue forces confirmed that three buildings were hit, suffering severe structural damage to their integrity. A fire broke out on the fourth floor of one of the structures. Israeli first responders after the missile attack in Arad on March 21, 2026 (Magen David Adom emergency services) Magen David Adom emergency services The director general of Magen David Adom (Israel's national emergency medical service) spoke from the scene, describing "a massive-scale incident. There are people we haven't been able to reach yet, and we are worried." Dozens of MDA paramedics and emergency medical technicians were treating roughly 100 casualties at the scene, among them a girl of about five years old in serious condition, 11 people with moderate wounds, and additional lightly wounded. Helicopters and additional large contingents were also dispatched and a major incident was declared.  Video: The site of the Iranian missile impact in Arad on March 21, 2026 / Credit: Usage under Israeli intellectual property law Article 27a Scores of volunteers from central Israel were also traveling south by ambulance to reinforce teams in the Negev region. Hospitals across the south and center of the country were preparing to receive casualties from Arad. MDA emergency medical technician Yakir Talker said from the scene, "This is a very difficult scene. We arrived with large forces – ambulances, intensive care vehicles, and MDA motorcycles. We saw many casualties with wounds of varying severity as a result of a missile strike. We immediately set up a casualty collection point, triaged the wounded according to their injury levels and provided them with life-saving medical treatment. There is extensive destruction and chaos at the scene. The teams are conducting comprehensive searches at this moment and we will continue to operate here as long as required."