Worker dies after explosion at Intel’s Kiryat Gat plant
Three people were injured in the blast, two of whom underwent resuscitation efforts. Police suspect a malfunction during a transfer of material between trucks, while hazardous materials teams continue monitoring the site.
One of the three people injured in an explosion at Intel’s manufacturing plant in Kiryat Gat on Wednesday died of his injuries at Soroka Medical Center in Be’er Sheva, where he had been taken in critical condition. The two other victims were seriously injured. Magen David Adom (MDA) said two of the injured underwent resuscitation efforts.
Police suspect the explosion was caused by a gas cylinder malfunction. According to Kiryat Gat police commander Shai Aleli, the blast occurred during a transfer of material into the factory’s tanks, after one truck had disconnected and another had connected. Investigators have not identified any suspected criminal activity or negligence at this stage.
“At this moment, I cannot point to any suspicion of criminal activity or negligence,” Aleli said at the scene. He added that officials were continuing to assess the circumstances of the incident.
The explosion triggered a fire involving nitrogen trifluoride (NF₃), according to the Fire and Rescue Authority. Although the gas is non-flammable, it has oxidizing properties and is hazardous if inhaled. The fire has since been extinguished, but hazardous materials teams have continued monitoring the site and assessing potential risks.
“We are still cooling down the scene at the factory to prevent a secondary incident,” Aleli said. “Professionals are examining the situation to check for any further leaks. So far, we have no indication of one, and the scene appears to be under control.” He said the tanks had been cooled and that the response was coordinated with Fire and Rescue Services and other agencies. There had been no need to evacuate Kiryat Gat residents or factory workers, he added.
Fire and Rescue Services deployed at least eight teams, including specialized hazardous materials units, to the plant. Firefighters searched for anyone who might have been trapped, worked to contain the blaze and monitored the hazardous substance to prevent its dispersal.
The Ministry of Environmental Protection also sent personnel from its Southern District and the Ashkelon Association of Towns to assess the incident and its potential environmental impact in coordination with emergency responders.
Kiryat Gat Mayor Kfir Suissa initially urged residents to stay away from the plant while emergency crews worked at the scene. Following a situational assessment with the relevant authorities, he later announced that the fire had been fully extinguished and that there were no special instructions for residents.
“There is no danger to the public,” Suissa said, while urging people to avoid the site so that security and rescue teams could complete their work without interruption.
