An explosion and fire were reported Wednesday at an Intel plant in Kiryat Gat’s Rabin Industrial Park. Three workers were injured with burns. Magen David Adom said its teams were treating three conscious patients at the scene. United Hatzalah reported that two men, approximately 40 to 50 years old, were evacuated while CPR was being performed and were in critical condition.

Eight firefighting and rescue teams, including hazardous materials units, are operating at the scene. Crews are searching for anyone who may be trapped, working to contain the fire and monitoring for hazardous substances. Police are investigating whether the fire was caused by a gas cylinder explosion and are also checking for a possible hazardous materials leak.

The Environmental Protection Ministry and the Ashkelon Environmental Association sent teams to assess the incident and its potential environmental impact. The public is asked to stay away from the area, avoid gathering there and follow the instructions of emergency forces.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)