Two young children were killed and eight others were injured on Tuesday night in an apartment fire in the haredi city of Beitar Illit in Judea.
A witness said the fire was caused by a nightlight that exploded and fell onto a bed in the children’s room. Three of the family’s children managed to get out and get help with a neighbor, but 4-year-old Efrat Ginsburg and her 2-year-old brother, Tzvi, were not able to escape.
A 22-year-old was listed in moderate condition from smoke inhalation, and a 7-year-old and 9-year-old were lightly injured.
The condition or whereabouts of the parents at the time of the blaze were not publicized.
“The Beitar Illit Municipality, together with all residents of the city, are shocked, grieving and shaken by the tragic passing of these two young children,” the city said in a statement.
Social workers and psychologists were called in to assist the family.
