JERUSALEM – A heartbreaking tragedy unfolded in Jerusalem’s Romema neighborhood on Monday when two young children lost their lives at an unlicensed daycare center due to carbon monoxide poisoning. Fifty-five other children fell ill from exposure to the deadly gas, sending shockwaves through the community.
The daycare, located in an apartment on Ha’Mem Gimmel Street, catered to infants and toddlers aged four months to three years. Local reports confirmed that Magen David Adom paramedics responded swiftly to the emergency call, rushing multiple children to hospitals in critical condition.
Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene as rescue teams dashed in and out of the building, carrying limp children to safety. One victim was a four-month-old infant on her very first day at the facility, according to Ultra-Orthodox news sources.
Police have detained three staff members for questioning as investigations probe whether a faulty heating system triggered the leak. The Education Ministry revealed it had no record of the daycare or any licensing application, raising serious concerns about unregulated childcare operations.
United Hatzalah volunteers joined the rescue efforts alongside psychotrauma units, providing support to distraught parents waiting outside. Authorities urged residents to follow emergency guidelines while responders ventilated the site and identified the toxic substance.
This devastating incident underscores the urgent need for stricter oversight of home-based daycares, especially in densely populated areas. Families are left grieving, demanding accountability and justice for the little ones whose lives were cut short so tragically.