Jerusalem, 19 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Fifty-five toddlers were hospitalized Monday after apparently inhaling a toxic substance at a private kindergarten in jerusalem, with two infants in critical condition. Authorities suspect carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas that can be particularly dangerous in enclosed spaces.
The two critically injured babies, both four months old, were found unconscious and without a pulse. Emergency teams performed intensive CPR before evacuating them to Shaare Zedek and Hadassah Mount Scopus hospitals. The remaining children — between four months and three-years-old — were also taken for medical evaluation, some suffering from respiratory distress.
Speculation on the cause centers on a faulty heating system. The kindergarten was operating without a license in a private home, and Israeli media reports said police detained three of the caregivers for questioning.
“There were dozens of babies in the building,” said Magen David Adom (MDA) volunteer Dr. Menachem Estrik. “We began performing scans and providing medical care to the babies while loading them into MDA ambulances and intensive care units and evacuating them to hospitals in the city for further medical treatment.”
MDA paramedic Nadav Taib described the scene as “a serious incident.” He said, “We were called to the scene to treat a four-month-old baby who was found unconscious, without a pulse, and not breathing. We began by providing medical treatment, which included performing CPR and evacuation, and then we were called back to treat another baby in the same condition. We rushed to the scene with large MDA forces that arrived in ambulances and intensive care vehicles and began evacuating all the babies who were there. MDA teams are on site and are prepared to provide medical treatment if necessary.”
Initial assessments by the Jerusalem Fire and Rescue Department and the Hazardous Materials Unit did not detect any toxic substances at the scene. “Following examination by Fire & Rescue personnel, there is no indication of a hazardous materials incident,” a department spokesperson said.
Orly Silvinger, CEO of the Beterm Child Safety Organization, emphasized the risks for children. “The unfortunate incident that occurred this morning in Jerusalem is particularly worrying given that toddlers do not consume hazardous substances by choice, but through accidental exposure. We are in the winter period, when heating increases the risk of poisoning. Use safe heating devices such as air conditioners or radiators, and ensure ventilation even when the room is heated. I appeal to parents: do not say ‘it won’t happen to me.’ The responsibility for the safety of our children lies with us and the adults around them.”
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