A major emergency response is underway in Jerusalem after a suspected hazardous material incident at a nursery left fifteen young children injured, with two toddlers reportedly fighting for their lives.
Emergency Response on Ha-Mag Street
The incident occurred on Monday, 19 January 2026, at a nursery on Ha-Mag Street in the Romema neighbourhood of Jerusalem. According to the Magen David Adom emergency service, the children were exposed to a substance that is currently under investigation.
Firefighters and the district's specialised Hazardous Materials (HazMat) unit rushed to the scene. Their immediate priority was to secure the area, monitor for dangerous substances, and ensure there was no further risk to the public or the emergency teams.
Condition of the Children
The scale of the incident is deeply concerning. Fifteen toddlers in total sustained injuries from the exposure. Most critically, two of the young children are believed to be in a life-threatening condition and are receiving urgent medical treatment. The other thirteen children also suffered injuries and are being assessed and cared for.
The exact nature of the hazardous material involved has not been officially confirmed by authorities at this early stage. The focus remains on the medical treatment of the victims and the forensic examination of the nursery environment.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Impact
This is a developing situation, and a full investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the exposure. Questions will centre on the source and type of material, how it came to be present at the nursery, and the protocols in place for such emergencies.
The event has sent shockwaves through the local Romema community and across Jerusalem. Incidents involving very young children and hazardous materials are exceptionally rare, prompting a significant and coordinated response from all emergency services.
Authorities are expected to provide further updates as the situation becomes clearer and the investigation progresses. The wellbeing of the injured children remains the paramount concern for all involved.
