Deadly Fire Engulfs Elderly Care Home in Bnei Brak, Dozens Injured

A severe fire broke out early Thursday morning at the "Meshkenot Vatikim" elderly care facility in Bnei Brak, Israel, resulting in multiple casualties. The blaze, which started in an apartment on the first floor of the eight-story building on Rav Amram Gaon Street, led to two residents sustaining critical injuries from burns. Four others were reported in moderate condition, and 18 suffered minor injuries, primarily from smoke inhalation.

Emergency services, including Magen David Adom (MDA) paramedics and fire rescue teams from Bnei Brak and Ramat Gan, were dispatched to the scene shortly after midnight. Firefighters worked to extinguish the fire and simultaneously searched for trapped residents. Several individuals were found and rescued from the burning apartment. In total, approximately 40 residents were evacuated from the building.

MDA reported that 24 injured individuals were transported to various hospitals, including Sheba, Beilinson, Ichilov, and Mayanei Hayeshua. The two critically injured men, aged approximately 65 and 80, required intubation and ventilation due to severe burns to their upper bodies. The moderately injured individuals, aged 50 to 80, and those with minor injuries were also evacuated for medical treatment.

Following the extinguishment of the fire, fire investigators were called to the scene to determine the cause of the blaze. The circumstances surrounding the fire's origin are currently under investigation.