Second Death Reported After Intel Plant Explosion in Kiryat Gat
Translated & summarized from Vesty by baba
Two people have died and a third remains in critical condition following an explosion and subsequent fire at Intel's plant in Kiryat Gat. The incident, which occurred during the unloading of gas cylinders, led to a leak of toxic nitrogen trifluoride gas. Preliminary findings suggest a technical malfunction, and authorities have stated residents are not at risk.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Two individuals have died and a third is in critical condition after an explosion at Intel's Kiryat Gat plant.
- The explosion occurred during the unloading of gas cylinders, leading to a leak of toxic nitrogen trifluoride gas.
- The first fatality was a gas equipment technician who died on October 14, 2026.
- A second victim, a 49-year-old man, died on October 15, 2023, at Soroka Hospital.
- A third victim, aged 20-30, remains in intensive care at Soroka Hospital.
- Authorities suspect a technical malfunction and have determined that local residents are not at risk.
The death toll from an explosion at Intel's plant in Kiryat Gat has risen to two, with a third individual remaining in critical condition. On Thursday morning, October 15, Soroka Hospital in Be'er Sheva announced the death of a 49-year-old man who had been admitted with severe, multiple injuries. Despite extensive resuscitation efforts, he could not be saved. The first fatality, a gas equipment technician, died on October 14, 2026, also at Soroka Hospital. A third victim, a man between 20 and 30 years old, is in intensive care at Soroka, sedated and on a ventilator. Preliminary investigations suggest a gas cylinder exploded during the unloading of trucks at the facility. According to the Kiryat Gat police chief, the explosion occurred after a second tanker truck connected to the unloading process, following the successful transfer of substances from the first truck. While a technical malfunction is suspected, police have not yet indicated any criminal wrongdoing or negligence. The explosion triggered a fire and a subsequent leak of nitrogen trifluoride (NF₃), a non-flammable but toxic gas hazardous if inhaled. Hazmat specialists monitored the situation and assessed risks, ultimately determining that residents were not in danger. Intel's Kiryat Gat facility manufactures microchips, primarily processors, using the Intel 7 technology, including chips for 5G and AI. The complex chip production process involves numerous gases and chemicals, including nitrogen trifluoride, which is used for cleaning silicon wafers. Inhalation of NF₃ can impair the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity, leading to tissue hypoxia, with symptoms ranging from weakness and headache to cyanosis. The gas is an oxidizer and can intensify fires.
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