Elderly Man Suspected of Starting Bnei Brak Nursing Home Fire While Smoking

A fire broke out overnight at the "Meshanot Vatikim" nursing home on Amram Gaon Street in Bnei Brak, injuring 39 residents. Two individuals are in serious condition, with four others in moderate condition and the rest suffering from minor injuries. The blaze required a large response from fire, rescue, and medical teams.

Initial police investigation suggests the fire was sparked when an elderly resident lit a cigarette near an oxygen tank. Firefighters and police responded quickly, evacuating residents and searching the building. The investigation is ongoing, with fire investigators collecting evidence at the scene.

Two of the seriously injured, men aged approximately 65 and 80, sustained burns and smoke inhalation. They were sedated and placed on ventilators before being transported to Sheba Medical Center at Tel HaShomer. Other injured residents were taken to various hospitals, including Beilinson, Ichilov, and Mayanei Hayeshua.

Emergency medical officials described the scene as difficult, noting the complexity of the situation as the fire spread from an initial report in one room on the first floor. The fire department had recently issued warnings about fire safety hazards related to the upcoming Sukkot holiday, emphasizing human error as a common cause of fires.