At least two people were hurt in a blaze this afternoon in Botei Varsha, Yerushalayim. A 74-year-old man and a 67-year-old woman were taken by Magen David Adom paramedics to Hadassah Ein Kerem Medical Center for treatment of smoke inhalation and burns.
Teams of firefighters battled the conflagration as hundreds watched the flames rise to the sky.
Yerushalayim’s Fire and Rescue Commander, Eyal Cohen, was directing the firefighters, who came from across the country to help. There were crews from Yehudah and Shomron, as well as Beit Shemesh, at the scene.
Approximately seven apartments in the residential building were damaged.
Dozens of residents were escorted safely from their homes.
The fire broke out at around 1:40 p.m.
About 18 fire trucks and two ladder trucks were at the scene, and over 50 firefighters and volunteers worked to quell the fire while surrounding streets were closed to traffic.
The fire was brought under control after about an hour and a half. Additional work is being done to ensure that the fire doesn’t start up again.
Due to the fire damage, there is concern of part of the building collapsing.
VIDEOS:
PHOTOS:
David Steger – Matzav.com Israel / Photos: Flash 87, Media Resources. Bambi Images
There seems to be more then usual amount of structure fires of late affecting acheinu bnei yisroel all over. Now in Yerushalayim, whereas last week in Bnei Brak. There was in Monsey the other week and last week in Kiryas Joel. Also in Williamsburg and in Boro Park within the last 2 weeks. And a couple of weeks ago in Lakewood. It seems more then normal… The RSO should protect us all.