Two four-month-old babies have died and approximately 55 other children have been injured in a serious incident at a private daycare centre in Jerusalem, with authorities investigating a suspected hazardous material leak.
Emergency Response and Tragic Outcome
The incident occurred on Monday, 19 January 2026, at a facility operating inside a private apartment on Ha-Mag Street in the city's Romema neighbourhood. Emergency services, including Magen David Adom (MDA) paramedics, were called to the scene after reports of infants found unconscious.
"We were called to treat a four-month-old baby who was found unconscious, without a pulse and not breathing," stated MDA paramedics. "We began providing medical treatment, which included performing CPR and evacuation." Shortly after, they were called back for a second infant in the same critical condition.
Despite receiving immediate treatment at the scene and being rushed to Haare Zedek and Hadassah Mount Scopus hospitals, the two infants tragically succumbed to their injuries. The other injured children were also evacuated and received medical attention.
Investigation into Hazardous Substance
Firefighters and a specialist HazMat unit remain on the scene, monitoring the area and working to identify the dangerous substance. Initial fears of a possible chemical attack have given way to reports pointing towards a potential carbon monoxide leak.
A police statement confirmed that Jerusalem District police were called "following a report of a suspected chemical weapons incident" and the evacuation of the daycare. Authorities have urged residents in the ultra-Orthodox part of Romema to avoid the area while emergency teams ventilate the affected spaces.
The Israeli Education Ministry has confirmed that an investigation is underway into the incident at the private daycare centre for toddlers.
Ongoing Aftermath and Public Warning
The building was immediately evacuated, and police continue to assist with the operation. In their statement, police called on the public "to avoid approaching the building, allow emergency and rescue forces to operate, and keep the traffic lanes clear."
This devastating event has shocked the local community and raised urgent questions about safety regulations in private childcare settings. The focus now remains on supporting the families affected and conclusively determining the cause of this tragedy.
