i24NEWSSecurity17:58

Technical Failure Caused Deadly Blast at Intel Factory in Kiryat Gat

By i24NEWS, טל סבג

Translated & summarized from i24NEWS by baba

CenterNeutral tone

Hebrew · 3 newsrooms covering

A technical failure, likely a detached high-pressure gas tank, caused a deadly explosion and fire at Intel's factory in Kiryat Gat. Two workers have died, and a third was injured. Intel is cooperating with the investigation into the rare incident, which involved the uncontrolled release of NF3 gas.

The story in 5 lines · by baba

A technical failure involving a high-pressure gas tank caused a deadly explosion at Intel's Kiryat Gat factory.
Two workers have died following the blast, with a third injured.
The incident involved the uncontrolled release of approximately 8 tons of NF3 gas, igniting a fire.
Investigators are determining if the failure was due to tank wear or other preventable factors.
Intel has expressed sorrow and pledged full cooperation with the ongoing investigation.

An initial investigation into a blast at Intel's factory in Kiryat Gat suggests a technical failure was the cause. A high-pressure tank containing approximately 8 tons of NF3 gas reportedly detached, leading to the explosion. While NF3 itself is not flammable, its uncontrolled release ignited a fire.

Authorities are examining whether the failure resulted from tank wear or another factor, and if the incident could have been prevented. The Soroka Medical Center confirmed the death of a second victim, 49-year-old Elia Tzatzulin, who had sustained severe, multi-system injuries. A third worker was also injured in the incident.

Intel expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of two employees and offered well wishes for the recovery of the third injured worker. The company stated it is fully cooperating with the authorities investigating the tragic event and will continue to support the affected families and individuals. The incident is being treated as a rare and unusual occurrence.