Man killed in explosives plant blast
Huge explosion rocks Zichron Yaakov area; large ambulance and police teams rush to scene
An explosives test was apparently taking place at the sensitive defense plant at the time of the blast. The mishap that led to the blast has not yet been identified.
Police at scene (Photo: Hagai Aharon)
The explosion was heard in the entire area, as large ambulance and police teams rushed to the scene. As a result of the highly sensitive nature of the plant, rescue forces faced delays before they were able to enter the site and evacuate the wounded.
Magen David Adom paramedic Nir Isrerlis told Ynet: "The explosion was in an open area, far away from the buildings at the factory. When we arrived at the scene we found two wounded people still conscious and suffering mostly from burns apparently caused by a chemical substance."
Police officials have launched an investigation into the mishap. The Labor and Welfare Ministry, as well as the Environment Ministry, are also expected to probe the incident.
Some concerned relatives of plant employees attempted to reach the site but were held back at police roadblocks. One young resident of the area said he was unable to contact his father, but added that during work hours contact through cellular phones is cut off.
A local official said those hurt are apparently not regular factory employees and do not reside in the area.
About a month and a half ago, four people were hurt in an explosion at a weapons plant near the northern town of Acco.
The plant in question mostly produces explosive materials earmarked for the civilian market. Only last week, responsibility over the factory was transferred from the local council to the Defense Ministry.
The plant employs 29 people, most of them residents of Zichron Yaakov. An accident at the site 20 years ago also killed an employee.
Ahiya Raved contributed to the report
