Thirty nine wounded in Jerusalem fire, three in serious condition

MDA paramedics evacuated them to Hadassah-University Medical Centers in Ein Kerem and Mount Scopus. 

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF DECEMBER 23, 2024 09:40 Updated: DECEMBER 23, 2024 09:53

Jerusalem District firefighters at the scene of a seminary fire. December 23, 2024. (photo credit: Eric Abolof)

Thirty-nine people were injured in a fire that erupted in a seminary dormitory on David Yellin Street in Jerusalem, Israel's emergency service, Magen David Adom (MDA) said on Monday.

Three were in serious condition, and two were in moderate condition. The others were lightly injured.

MDA paramedics evacuated them to Hadassah-University Medical Centers in Ein Kerem and Mount Scopus. 

 "This is a significant and major incident with many casualties," Shmulik Friedman, head of the Jerusalem District of the Israel Fire and Rescue Services, said, adding that firefighters had rescued dozens of trapped individuals. 

"We have launched an investigation in cooperation with the Israel Police to determine the circumstances of the fire's outbreak," he added. 

Paramedics operate on scene 

MDA paramedic Eliahu Ben Hamu recounted seeing " heavy smoke coming from the building."

"All the victims were fully conscious; we saw three individuals in serious condition and two in moderate condition, all fully conscious and suffering from smoke inhalation," he noted.

Magen David Adom emergency teams operate at the scene of the Jerusalem fire. December 23, 2024. (credit: MAGEN DAVID ADOM)

"We began providing initial medical treatment while loading them into Magen David Adom (MDA) intensive care units and ambulances and transporting them to various hospitals in the city," he stated. 

United Hatzalah paramedics Ariel Drey and Zevi Klein recounted what they saw upon arrival at the scene. "The fire broke out in a residential building that partly serves as a girls' seminary. We provided initial medical assistance to numerous casualties, including three men who ran into the building to rescue to victims, and 14 girls who were evacuated by United Hatzalah ambulances.