Initial Probe Suggests Smoking Caused Deadly Fire at Bnei Brak Nursing Home

Preliminary investigation findings indicate a high probability that a fire at the 'Meshanot Vatikim' nursing home in Bnei Brak was caused by a resident smoking while connected to an oxygen system. The blaze, which broke out on the first floor of the facility on Amram Gaon Street, led to the hospitalization of six elderly residents, with two in serious condition, three in moderate, and one lightly injured. Emergency services evacuated approximately 40 residents from the building.

Fire investigators, in cooperation with the Israel Police, have launched a special investigation team, headed by the district's head of investigations, to determine the exact sequence of events. The primary theory suggests the fire ignited due to the combination of an open flame from smoking and the increased oxygen concentration in the resident's room, leading to a rapid spread of flames within the apartment and subsequently to other parts of the building.

The investigation will also examine whether the nursing home adhered to the required safety regulations for patients using oxygen therapy. The incident's severity prompted the deputy commander of the Dan Fire and Rescue District to establish the dedicated investigative team.