Two four-month-old infants have passed away and approximately 55 children have fallen ill due to suspected food poisoning at a nursery. The tragic incident occurred at a daycare center on Ha-Mag Street in Jerusalem’s Romema neighborhood. The two babies were discovered unconscious and were swiftly transported to Haare Zedek and Hadassah Mount Scopus hospitals for urgent medical care, where they were later pronounced dead by the Israeli emergency services.
Over 25 children are currently receiving medical treatment at Shaare Zedek hospital, with additional support provided by medical and administrative teams. The situation prompted firefighters and the district HazMat unit to investigate the area for hazardous substances. Initially, a possible carbon monoxide leak was considered, leading to the building’s evacuation. However, subsequent assessments suggest that the tragic outcome and illnesses were likely caused by food poisoning rather than a gas leak.
Authorities confirmed that the incident took place at a private daycare center for toddlers within a private apartment in Romema. The Education Ministry has initiated an investigation into the matter, while residents in the affected area have been advised to stay clear as specialists work to identify and address the situation. Emergency services, including the police and firefighters, are coordinating efforts to ensure the safety of the public and manage the aftermath of the incident.
The Jerusalem District Fire Department reported that no hazardous or toxic substances were detected at the scene after thorough monitoring. Nevertheless, two critically ill infants were promptly evacuated to Hadassah Mount Scopus Hospital for further treatment. The community is deeply saddened by this tragedy, and the authorities are actively engaged in determining the exact cause and ensuring the well-being of those affected.