Two toddlers died, and some 55 sustained injuries in an incident at a daycare in Jerusalem’s Romema neighborhood on Monday, Magen David Adom confirmed.
"There was no gas leak. It was probably in the food," an inspector from the Environmental Protection Ministry said at the scene.
The Israel Fire and Rescue Authority earlier noted that suspicion of hazardous substances had been ruled out, but that the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning from heating equipment was under investigation, Israel's public broadcaster KAN News reported.
United Hatzalah arrived to evacuate the children with Magen David Adom, and the Psychotrauma and Crisis Unit volunteers assisted parents waiting for their children, United Hatzalah Spokesperson Simmy Allen told The Jerusalem Post.
Over 25 toddlers have arrived at Shaare Zedek Medical Center for treatment, the hospital confirmed.
"Reinforced medical teams are providing medical and nursing care to all the toddlers, while social work and administrative teams are assisting the families," the hospital stated.
Israel Police and Fire and Rescue units were called to investigate the source of the suspected exposure.
Education Ministry confirmed the kindergarten was not recognized
The Education Ministry told Maariv that an initial assessment indicates the scene is a private daycare for toddlers operating inside a private apartment in the haredi Romema neighborhood.
Residents were advised to follow instructions from emergency crews while responders worked to identify the substance and ventilate affected spaces.
The Education Ministry has confirmed that it is in contact with emergency responders, and added that the facility is not recognized by the ministry and that there is no licensed daycare operating at the address in question.
This is a developing story.
Yuval Bagno contributed to this report.