Deadly Fire Engulfs Nursing Home in Bnei Brak, 39 Injured

A fire broke out overnight Wednesday at a nursing home on Amram Gaon Street in Bnei Brak, Israel, resulting in 39 injuries. Emergency response teams from United Hatzalah treated the victims at the scene. Among the injured, two were in serious, unstable condition, four were in moderate condition, and 18 were evacuated with minor injuries.

United Hatzalah paramedics transported some of the injured to nearby hospitals, including Sheba Medical Center at Tel HaShomer and Mayanei Hayeshua Medical Center. Responders described setting up with stretchers to receive residents evacuated from the burning building.

United Hatzalah paramedics Akiva Kaufman, Meilach Henig, and Daniel Yifona stated that they assisted in the rescue of elderly and infirm residents who had difficulty evacuating on their own. They provided initial treatment for smoke inhalation and burns of varying severity. Large firefighting crews were also present, working to rescue those trapped and gain control of the blaze.

Ambulance drivers from United Hatzalah, including Elhanan Marciano, Yosef Baruchim, Adiel Pinchas, Yosef Chaim Touboul, and Yehuda Widebsky, reported receiving evacuated residents and providing initial care before transporting some to hospitals. They noted that the condition of those they transported was minor.

Efi Feldman, head of United Hatzalah's Bnei Brak branch, who commanded the organization's response, highlighted the challenges posed by the nursing home's location in a densely populated area and the fear of many trapped residents. He thanked the dozens of volunteers who left their homes during the holiday and nighttime hours to assist in the rescue, treatment, and evacuation efforts.