A fire broke out in an eight-story residential building in Lod in the early hours of Saturday morning.
Firefighters were able to limit the fire to the first floor and prevent it from spreading to the rest of the building, according to statements from Israeli fire and rescue teams.
Reports currently suggest that the fire was caused by an electrical cabinet on the first floor.
As a result, smoke infiltrated the entire building, prompting rescue operations, searches, and the evacuation of residents.
Rescue efforts by medics and firefighters
A total of 18 people who were trapped in their apartments were rescued by firefighters, including four infants who were carried out by the crews and elderly residents who were confined to wheelchairs.
Magen David Adom (MDA) teams reportedly treated 15 individuals for smoke inhalation and transported them to hospitals for further observation and care. No fatalities have been reported as a result of the fire.
Authorities have stated that an investigation is underway to further examine the circumstances surrounding the fire.
