2 Babies Dead, Over 50 Hospitalized at Unlicensed Daycare

A morning meant for naps and bottles turned into a nightmare inside a Jerusalem daycare where two infants died and more than fifty others were rushed to hospitals after what officials fear was a toxic leak from the center’s heating system.

Authorities say the tragedy unfolded in a cramped, unlicensed childcare apartment in the city’s ultra-Orthodox neighborhood. Paramedics arriving at the scene described chaos, panic, and the unmistakable sound of crying children echoing from every corner of the building.

“It looked like a disaster zone,” said 22-year-old witness Zalmi Neufeld. “Emergency personnel were pulling kids out of the building. Parents were crying. Kids were all over the place. I’ve never seen anything like it.”

A baby girl was rushed to Shaare Zedek Hospital in critical condition. She didn’t survive.

Moments later, a six-month-old boy was declared dead at Hadassah Medical Centre despite frantic resuscitation attempts.

Doctors have not confirmed the cause of death, but investigators are focusing on the daycare’s heating system, which neighbors claim had been malfunctioning for days.

One resident told local media, “We smelled something strange earlier this week. We thought it was a wiring issue. No one imagined something this terrible.”

Israel’s Magen David Adom emergency service said 55 children were evacuated, including the two infants who later died.
“Resuscitation efforts are ongoing, and 53 infants are undergoing further examinations,” the agency said.

A first responder told Israeli outlet Ynet that rescuers were shocked by the number of children hidden throughout the small apartment.

“We heard screaming. We went inside and found children in closets, in strollers, under blankets — everywhere,” he said. “One child was asleep in the bathroom. It was overwhelming.”

The Times of Israel confirmed the center had no operating license. Police later detained three caregivers for questioning.

Forensic teams combed through the apartment searching for evidence. Investigators initially feared hazardous materials were involved but later ruled that out. There were no signs of fire or structural damage.

The suspected leak is believed to have spread rapidly due to poor ventilation — a chronic issue in makeshift childcare centers operating inside converted apartments.

In a statement on X, Israeli President Isaac Herzog called the deaths “an immense, unspeakable tragedy.”

“My heart goes out to the parents and children who have been affected,” Herzog wrote. “There must be a thorough investigation and full accountability.”

Residents gathered outside the building described a scene of grief and disbelief. Parents clutching babies. Firefighters carrying limp children. Sirens echoing through narrow streets.

“It happened so fast,” said one father, who lives nearby. “You send your child to daycare. You expect them to come home. No one is prepared for something like this.”

As investigators piece together what went wrong inside the unlicensed center, families across Jerusalem are demanding tighter oversight — and answers.