Over 20 Injured in Bnei Brak Nursing Home Fire, Suspected Smoking Near Oxygen

A fire broke out overnight between Wednesday and Thursday at the "Meshenot Vatikim" nursing home in Bnei Brak, Israel, resulting in over 20 injuries. Two elderly residents were evacuated to the hospital in serious condition with burns, while four others sustained moderate injuries. The police have launched an investigation with fire investigators.

Initial findings suggest the fire was caused by a resident who lit a cigarette near an oxygen tank. Firefighters from Fire and Rescue Services Israel responded around 1:00 AM to a blaze that started in a room on the first floor. They evacuated residents, extinguished the fire, and rescued individuals trapped in the burning room. A special investigation team has been formed to examine the circumstances.

Paramedics from Magen David Adom treated numerous casualties, including two men in their 70s and 80s who were sedated, ventilated, and in serious, unstable condition with upper body burns. Four others, aged 50-80, were in moderate condition, and 18 were lightly injured. All were transported to hospitals.

United Hatzalah volunteers assisted in evacuating residents who had difficulty escaping due to their age and condition, providing initial aid for smoke inhalation and burns. They noted the nursing home houses dozens of elderly, infirm residents. Firefighting forces worked to rescue those trapped and control the blaze.