In a devastating turn of events, two infants have lost their lives at an unlicensed daycare centre in West Jerusalem. The three-month-old and six-month-old babies were pronounced dead at Hadassah Mount Scopus Hospital and Shaare Zedek Medical Centre, despite the best efforts of medical professionals to resuscitate them.
The incident occurred on Monday afternoon, with first responders being alerted to the presence of two unconscious babies at the private nursery, which was reportedly located in an apartment building in the predominantly ultra-Orthodox Jewish neighbourhood of Romema. Paramedics evacuated a total of 53 babies and toddlers to nearby hospitals for further medical examination and treatment.
While the exact cause of the deaths remains unclear, initial reports suggested a possible link to toxic gas from the daycare’s heating system. However, the Fire and Rescue Authority has stated that no hazardous or toxic substances were detected at the scene. Forensic experts are now conducting a thorough investigation to determine the circumstances that led to the tragic incident.
“Helpless infants lost their lives in a private facility that operated without a licence and without oversight, in violation of the law,” said Education Minister Yoav Kisch, who has instructed his ministry and other authorities to formulate a plan to shut down unlicensed daycare centres in the wake of this tragedy.
Residents of the Romema neighbourhood described the scene as chaotic, with anxious parents gathering outside as emergency personnel worked to evacuate the children. Zalmi Neufeld, a local resident, recounted the distressing sight, saying, “I saw emergency personnel pulling kids out of the building. I saw parents crying, a lot of kids crying, kids all over the place. It was like a war zone.”
The director of emergency medicine at Shaare Zedek Medical Centre, Dr. Gal Pachy, stressed that the exact circumstances of the incident are still unknown at this stage, as the investigation continues.
This devastating incident has once again highlighted the need for robust regulations and oversight in the childcare sector to ensure the safety and well-being of the most vulnerable members of society. As the authorities work to uncover the truth and hold those responsible accountable, the community mourns the tragic loss of these young lives.
