Two Dead, One Critical After Intel Plant Explosion in Israel
Translated & summarized from Vesty by baba
Two workers were killed and a third critically injured in an explosion and subsequent fire at an Intel plant in Kiryat Gat. Yakir Kosashvili, 35, died on October 14, and Ilya Chechulin, 49, died on October 15. A third employee remains in critical condition. The explosion is suspected to be caused by a gas cylinder, leading to a toxic gas leak. Intel has expressed condolences and pledged cooperation with the investigation, while an attorney criticized regulatory oversight.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Yakir Kosashvili, 35, and Ilya Chechulin, 49, died following an explosion at an Intel plant in Kiryat Gat.
- A third Intel employee remains in critical condition after the October 14 incident.
- The explosion is believed to have resulted from a gas cylinder incident during unloading.
- A toxic gas leak of nitrogen trifluoride (NF₃) occurred following the explosion.
- Intel expressed condolences and pledged full cooperation with the investigation.
- An attorney claimed the tragedy was preventable due to regulatory failures.
The identity of one of the victims of an explosion at an Intel plant in Kiryat Gat has been released. Yakir Kosashvili, a 35-year-old technician from Ofakim, died on October 14 at Soroka Hospital in Be'er Sheva. His death was confirmed nearly a day after he was hospitalized in critical condition. Kosashvili worked as a gas equipment maintenance technician.
A second victim, 49-year-old Ilya Chechulin from Be'er Sheva, died on the morning of October 15 at Soroka Hospital. He had been admitted to intensive care with severe burns and died despite resuscitation efforts.
A third worker, aged 20 to 30, remains in critical condition in intensive care at Soroka Hospital, sedated and on a ventilator. The incident is believed to have been caused by a gas cylinder explosion during truck unloading. A fire followed, with a leak of toxic nitrogen trifluoride (NF₃) gas. Hazardous materials specialists assessed the risks, and fears of a threat to city residents were later dismissed.
Kiryat Gat Police Chief Shai Elali stated at the scene that it was unclear if foul play or negligence was involved, suggesting a technical malfunction during the transfer of a substance from a truck to plant reservoirs. Intel expressed condolences for the deceased and wished the injured employee a full recovery, pledging cooperation with investigators and support for affected families.
Attorney Israel Asal, legal advisor for the Forum for the Prevention of Industrial Accidents, claimed the tragedy was preventable, citing failures by the Ministry of Labor and the Labor Safety Authority to enforce safety regulations and deter employer violations. He described the incident as a result of "serious and prolonged failures" in oversight.
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