19:34 IL: Magen David Adom has declared a mass causality incident and ordered a major ambulance response following reports of a blaze in an apartment building in Meah Shearim. According to preliminary reports, there are many people trapped inside a burning structure.

19:38: The fire is on Salant Street in Meah Shearim. MDA is treating at least 10 people, apparently in light condition. The blaze appears to have erupted in a machsan (storage area). According to EMS personnel on the scene, there are many people trapped in the burning building.

19:43: The blaze is still out of control and it appears that there may be as many as 20 people trapped inside according to Ichud Hatzalah and other EMS personnel operating on the scene. MDA is treating people for smoke inhalation. Fire and rescue personnel are having a difficult time accessing the building due to the small streets and logistical realities as many vehicles and emergency personnel continue working to extricate trapped individuals.

19:45: The structure has a number of entrances. It is unclear if any or all of the entrances are blocked. Ladders are in place, apparently as firefighters work to extricate people trapped in the building. Zaka reports victims are being treated for smoke inhalation.

20:01: Update from Ichud Hatzalah: The fire erupted in a building on Salant Street opposite Yeshivas Slonim in Meah Shearim. Tens of people were in the building at the time, leading to MDA declaring a multi causality incident (MCI). B’chasdei Hashem, there were no serious injuries and emergency responders managed to get the people out of the building.

The cause of the fire, which began in a storeroom or bomb shelter is unknown at this time.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)