WATCH: United Hatzalah warns against the danger of leaving children in hot cars amid latest death
23 children died in such incidents between 2021 and 2025, according to data from Beterem, Safe Kids Israel.
United Hatzalah issued a warning on Sunday regarding the dangers of leaving children unattended in hot vehicles, highlighting the tragic case of a 5-year-old boy who died in Lod after being left in his family's car for approximately two hours. Despite the presumption that such incidents could befall even the most responsible parents, the organization emphasized the importance of a simple check before departing: glance back to ensure no child is left inside.
The boy was discovered unconscious and displaying symptoms of heatstroke. Emergency responders from Magen David Adom (MDA) administered advanced resuscitation measures before transporting him in critical condition to Shamir Medical Center, Assaf Harofeh, where he was pronounced deceased. The family, returning home after a drive where the child had fallen asleep, is suspected of leaving the car while the child remained inside.
Following his father's realization of the boy's absence, he returned to the vehicle, witnessed his son's unconscious state, and sought assistance. Police have commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the boy's death. MDA medic Efi Rosenblum, upon receiving the call, arrived at the scene first and initiated resuscitation efforts.
The boy, exhibiting severe heatstroke, was pronounced dead at the hospital. This incident is the latest in a series of 23 fatalities and 53 non-fatal cases involving children left in hot cars between 2021 and 2025, as reported by Beterem and Safe Kids Israel.
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