Horrifying
Jerusalem Daycare Tragedy: Disturbing Footage Shows Toddler Sleeping on Mattress Next to Toilet
Suspected poisoning at Jerusalem daycare leaves two babies dead. MDA evacuated 53 infants from the Romema facility as authorities investigate a potential gas leak."
Heartbreaking images from a private daycare in Jerusalem's Romema neighborhood reveal the harrowing scene of a suspected poisoning incident that claimed the lives of two infants and affected many others earlier today.
The photos show a six-month-old baby lying unconscious on mattresses placed in the bathroom next to the toilet,
According to reports, 55 babies were impacted in the incident, with all but the two fatalities remaining fully conscious.
The sequence of events unfolded rapidly around 12:24 p.m., when Magen David Adom (MDA) received a call about a four-month-old girl found unconscious at the facility. Paramedics performed CPR and evacuated her to Shaare Zedek Hospital. During the process, a second infant was discovered without a pulse or breathing and was rushed to Hadassah Mount Scopus Hospital while resuscitation efforts continued. Both babies were later pronounced dead.
MDA teams, including ambulances, intensive care units, and emergency motorcycles, conducted sweeps of the building and evacuated 53 additional babies and children for further medical treatment at Jerusalem hospitals.
"We received a call to the 101 hotline about an unconscious infant in a daycare," said MDA CEO Eli Bin. "Teams arrived quickly and evacuated the four-month-old girl, unconscious, to Shaare Zedek Hospital while performing CPR. Another baby from the same daycare was also evacuated to Hadassah Mount Scopus Hospital under CPR."
Dr. Menachem Astrik, a volunteer MDA doctor at the scene, added: "Dozens of babies were in the building. We began scans and provided medical treatment to the babies present while loading them into MDA ambulances and intensive care units, evacuating them to city hospitals for continued care."
The cause is under investigation, with suspicions pointing to a gas leak or poisoning. Data from the Beterem organization for child safety highlights the risks: Over the past decade, seven children and teens have died from poisoning in Israel, with an average of more than 700 children visiting emergency rooms annually due to such incidents. "The unfortunate case that occurred this morning in Jerusalem is particularly concerning given that toddlers do not consume hazardous materials by choice, but as a result of accidental exposure," said Orly Silbinger, CEO of Beterem.
Mako contributed to this article.