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Jerusalem, Israel — Thirty-nine people were injured, including three seriously, in a fire that erupted Monday at a seminary dormitory on David Yellin Street.
Israel’s emergency medical service, Magen David Adom (MDA), confirmed that paramedics transported the victims to Hadassah-University Medical Centers in Ein Kerem and Mount Scopus for treatment.
The fire, which broke out in a building housing a girls’ seminary, led to a massive emergency response.
Among the injured, three were listed in serious condition, two in moderate condition, and the remaining victims sustained minor injuries, primarily from smoke inhalation.
“This is a significant and major incident with many casualties,” said Shmulik Friedman, head of the Jerusalem District of the Israel Fire and Rescue Authorities.
“Firefighters rescued dozens of trapped individuals, and we have launched an investigation in cooperation with the Israel Police to determine the circumstances of the fire’s outbreak.”
Initial reports suggest that a short circuit may have caused the fire, according to Israel’s public broadcaster, KAN News.
Swift Emergency Response
When emergency responders arrived, they encountered heavy smoke billowing from the building. MDA paramedic Eliahu Ben Hamu described the scene as chaotic but noted that all victims were conscious during evacuation.
“We saw three individuals in serious condition and two in moderate condition, all suffering from smoke inhalation,” Ben Hamu said. “We provided initial medical treatment while loading them into intensive care units and ambulances for transport to hospitals.”
United Hatzalah, another emergency response organization, was also on the scene. Paramedics Ariel Drey and Zevi Klein recounted the tense moments as they worked to rescue victims.
“The fire broke out in a residential building that partly serves as a girls’ seminary,” Drey said.
“We provided initial medical assistance to numerous casualties, including three men who ran into the building to rescue victims and 14 girls who were evacuated by United Hatzalah ambulances.”
Investigation and Aftermath
Authorities have launched an investigation to confirm the cause of the fire, with the Israel Fire and Rescue Authorities collaborating closely with police.
The seminary dormitory sustained significant damage, though firefighters managed to contain the blaze before it spread to nearby structures.
The incident has drawn attention to fire safety protocols in residential and educational facilities across the city. Shmulik Friedman emphasized the need for heightened awareness and preventive measures.
“This incident highlights the importance of ensuring that all buildings, particularly those used for residential and educational purposes, are equipped with proper safety measures to prevent such tragedies,” he said.
Jerusalem residents expressed gratitude for the quick response of emergency teams, who worked tirelessly to save lives. “It could have been much worse,” said a local witness who observed the fire.
The injured continue to receive medical care, and authorities are urging the public to prioritize fire safety during the winter months when electrical malfunctions become more common.
As the investigation progresses, the community and families affected by the fire remain hopeful for a swift recovery for the injured and clarity on the circumstances that led to the incident.