Child’s death caused by runaway car, not donkey, say police

Death of a 5-year-old Bedouin boy near Mitzpe Ramon was originally attributed to a donkey, but cops later discovered otherwise

By ToI Staff 21 February 2022, 11:23 pm

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Illustrative: Bedouin boys ride on a donkey near Mitzpe Ramon in southern Israel, August 2009. (Kobi Gideon/Flash90)

A five-year-old boy who was killed after purportedly being hurt by a donkey was actually killed when he was run over by his father’s car, according to police.

Police said Monday that after an investigation into the incident, they believe that a car parked next to the house began rolling away, ran over the child and caused his death.

The investigation into the incident is ongoing, police said.

The incident occurred on Sunday near Mitzpe Ramon.

Medics evacuated the child by helicopter in critical condition to Beersheba’s Soroka Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries shortly after arriving.

Beterem CEO Orly Silbinger said that Bedouin children are at the highest risk of being injured in an accident of any kind.

“Poor infrastructure and living conditions and the environment directly affect the safety of children,” she said.

“Beterem, together with officials and civil activists, are working hard in the Bedouin community to promote information programs, training and raising awareness, but only a massive investment by the government can bring about the necessary change and save children’s lives.”