Two infants, both four months old, have passed away, and approximately 55 children have fallen ill due to suspected food poisoning at a daycare center. The tragic incident occurred in the Romema neighborhood of Jerusalem, where the two babies were discovered unconscious and promptly transported to hospitals along with other affected children.
Medical teams provided immediate care on-site before transferring the infants and other injured children to Haare Zedek and Hadassah Mount Scopus hospitals. Regrettably, the Israeli emergency services confirmed the deaths of the two infants. Currently, over 25 children are receiving treatment at Shaare Zedek hospital, where dedicated medical and nursing teams are attending to them, supported by social work and administrative staff assisting the families.
Authorities, including firefighters and the HazMat unit, were on-site to assess the situation initially suspected to involve hazardous materials or a potential carbon monoxide leak. However, subsequent investigations suggest that food poisoning might be the cause of the tragic deaths and illnesses. An inspector from the Environmental Protection Ministry indicated that there was no gas leak but likely contamination in the food.
Emergency responders described the incident as severe, emphasizing their prompt actions in treating unconscious infants and evacuating all children from the scene. The Education Ministry has initiated an investigation into the incident, which reportedly occurred at a private daycare center within a residential apartment in Romema.
Residents in the affected neighborhood have been advised to steer clear as authorities work to identify the substance responsible and ventilate the affected areas. The police and firefighters are collaborating to ensure the safe evacuation of the building and have urged the public to cooperate with emergency personnel.
Following thorough monitoring activities, the Jerusalem District Fire Department confirmed the absence of hazardous or toxic substances at the daycare center. Despite the critical conditions of the two infants evacuated to Hadassah Mount Scopus Hospital, no harmful substances were detected during the incident.
In conclusion, the community is reeling from the tragic loss of the infants and the widespread illness among children at the daycare center in Jerusalem.
