Toddlers killed in Beitar Illit apartment fire are buried

The two children who died in a fierce apartment fire in Beitar Illit on Tuesday are buried this afternoon in the city.

The two, aged 2 and 4, died within minutes of the start of the fire, according to Dedi Simchi, head of the Fire and Rescue Services.

Simchi tells Hadashot television news today that the fire “definitely was not caused by arson. We believe an electric short, either from a ceiling light or a nightlight, ignited the fire.” Two parallel investigations have been launched to determine the cause.

The apartment was filled with flammable substances, apparently did not have smoke detectors installed, and the children slept in the bomb shelter room, which was the furthest room from the exit, he says.

“As winter approaches, Israelis must take precautions, make sure they have working smoke detectors, and not leave children alone in the house,” he says.