Toddler Suffers Brain Damage After Electrocution in Eilat Hotel; Parents Await Justice
A year-old toddler, Guy Sapir, suffered severe brain damage after being electrocuted by a hotel railing in Eilat approximately 10 months ago. The incident occurred while the family was on vacation, and Guy has been receiving home hospitalization after an extended stay in the hospital. His parents, Yair and Chali Sapir, claim the investigation has been concluded for months, but the State Prosecutor's Office has yet to decide whether to file charges.
According to his father, Yair, the incident happened shortly after they arrived at the hotel lobby for coffee. Guy, who was 1.5 years old at the time, leaned against a railing. When Yair approached, Guy let go of the railing and fell backward. Initially thought to be a fall-related faint, Guy became unresponsive, leading to CPR and transport to the hospital. Doctors later identified an electrical burn on his leg, and security footage revealed a partially scorched wall lamp near the railing, with a "fresh paint, do not touch" sign nearby. The parents believe Guy's leg touched the lamp while he was leaning on the railing, completing an electrical circuit.
Guy experienced severe seizures and was initially declared in a vegetative state, unable to move or respond. His parents refused to place him in an institution, opting for home care. Over time, Guy has shown signs of improvement, including opening his eyes and exhibiting initial hearing and vision, though he is confirmed to have a visual impairment. The parents have had to quit their jobs to care for Guy around the clock, significantly impacting their family life and causing distress to their other two children.
The parents are frustrated by the lack of progress in the legal proceedings, stating that the investigation concluded in January or February. They are seeking answers about what exactly happened and who is responsible. The police stated that the investigation was thorough and professional, and the case was transferred to the prosecution for review. The State Prosecutor's Office acknowledged the case is under review and is working to expedite the process, citing the volume and complexity of cases, and declined to comment on the specifics of the evidence.
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