Technical Failure Caused Deadly Blast at Intel Factory in Kiryat Gat

The blast initially left three workers severely injured with burns and raised immediate concerns about a hazardous materials leak. Soroka Medical Center later confirmed the death of 49-year-old Beersheba resident Ilya Chechulin, who succumbed to severe multi-system injuries, making him the second fatality of the incident. The identity of the first deceased worker has not been released, while the third worker remains injured.

Investigators suspect the explosion was caused by a technical failure in which an eight-ton high-pressure tank containing NF3 gas ruptured and detached. Although NF3 gas itself is not flammable, its sudden release at immense force can ignite other materials. Authorities are currently examining whether the failure resulted from tank wear or other preventable factors to determine if the disaster could have been avoided.

Intel expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of its employees and offered wishes for the recovery of the injured worker. The company stated it is fully cooperating with the authorities investigating the rare and unusual event, and will continue to support the affected families.