A 2½-year-old infant perished in a fire that erupted in the family’s Rosh Ha’ayin home during the night R”L. The father, 30, was seriously injured, reportedly sustaining second degree burns over his entire body as he fought off the flames and acrid smoke conditions in an effort to save his children. Other family members sustained light injuries.

The fire began in the residential complex on King David Street in the city. Firefighters worked to evacuate tenants as quickly as possible. As they combed the fire scene they found the body of the toddler. An emergency medical service physician pronounced the child dead after it was apparent there was nothing else to be done.

The mother, 23, is listed in light condition as well as two other children, 3½ and 1-years-old. The father was transported to Beilinson Hospital. There were an addition 15 people injured, Baruch Hashem all with light injuries.

Fire marshals are investigating. The preliminary findings point to an electric short circuit.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)