Heartbreaking Tragedy in Buenos Aires: 18-Month-Old Jewish Toddler Plunges to Death in Apartment Elevator Shaft

A Jewish family in Argentina's capital is reeling from unimaginable loss after their 18-month-old toddler fell to his death down an eight-story elevator shaft in a residential building late Tuesday night, local media and community leaders reported.

The incident occurred around midnight in the Flores neighborhood on Avenida Ouvlanda, according to reports from Argentine outlets and the local Jewish community. The child, identified as Akiva Debah by Rabbi Eliyahu Chamra of the Amia congregation, was with family members at the time.

Initial investigations suggest the elevator doors, which can be manually opened on each floor, were left ajar by another child earlier, while the elevator car was operating elsewhere in the building. Authorities are also examining potential technical failures in the elevator system.

Emergency responders, including a Jewish community volunteer medic, rushed to the scene and attempted resuscitation before transporting the boy to a nearby hospital. Despite doctors' efforts, he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

The parents, Raphael and Denise Debah, received immediate psychological support amid the shock.

The toddler's body was released for burial overnight following a brief investigation, thanks to swift coordination by the local Jewish community.

Police continue to probe the circumstances.

In a statement shared late Tuesday, Rabbi Chamra expressed profound grief: "Today is a day of deep sorrow for the Jewish community in the Flores neighborhood due to the tragic death of Akiva Debah, a young child of one year and eight months. In these moments of profound pain, we extend our deepest condolences to his father, Raphael, and his mother, Denise. We thank the police, health services, prosecutor's office, and city morgue for their compassionate support. We comfort for all his loved ones."