One of the worst fires in Israel’s history destroyed the three-story Queen of Sheba Hotel in Eilat early Monday morning, routing its 250 guests, 25 of whom were hospitalized.
Israeli air force transports and planes of Arkia, the domestic airline, ferried firefighters from different parts of the country to the Red Sea resort town, whose own small fire brigade was unable to cope with the blaze.
The hospitalized guests, mostly European tourists, were treated mainly for smoke inhalation.
Fourteen were soon released but 11 remained for further treatment. At least two suffered fractures and concussion when they leaped from second-and third-floor windows of the hotel.
As the Year Turns, Support the Journalism You Trust. JTA covers the stories shaping Jewish life around the world — with the depth this moment calls for. As you reflect on the year ahead, consider a gift that keeps independent Jewish journalism strong.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
