Gidon Ezra
Photo: Dana Koppel
Emission cloud over Ramat Hovav
The investigators appointed by Environment Minister Gidon Ezra to look into the explosion which took place at the Makhteshim factory at Ramat Hovav Monday, have filed their initial report.
The report further stated that even though the incident was highly unusual, it did not exceed the hazardous material safety zone, set by the Environmental Protection Ministry at three miles.
The report praised the emergency services and environment protection teams for theirr fast action in the field, but also listed recommendations regarding follow-up inquiries.
Eco Hazard
Anat Bereshkovsky
Explosion at Ramat Hovav's industrial area injures seven workers, leads to emission of phosphoric acid cloud over the area. Route 40 closed off, police push local residents a mile north of site. Firefighters eventually gain control of fire
The Environmental Ministry's emergency regulations layout worked as planned, said the report, with only a few minor, mechanical and communication difficulties.
The report recommended shutting down Makhteshim's production line pending a full inquiry into the incident. At the same time, Makhteshim's chief executive officer ordered an internal inquiry be held.
Potential harm contained
"What happened yesterday was very serious, but it also demonstrated that the potential harm to people was contained within the factory and that the incident itself was low-impact," said deputy director-general of the Environmental Protection Ministry, Yossi Inbar, at a press conference held at Ramat Hovav."Beersheba was never at risk of a toxic cloud, which may harm the population," he added.
Should Beersheba ever come in danger, Inbar said he didn't believe evacuating the residents would the right thing to do: "In such a case evacuation in dangerous. People should stay indoors," he said.
Environment Minister Gidon Ezra, who was also present at the press conference, spoke of Monday's event, saying "yesterday's incident should have been avoided."
As for the reason Ramat Hovav is closed to the public, Ezra said there was anything to hide. "I'm all for freedom of information and I would open the entire area to the public and the press," he said.
"I don't think anyone here has anything to hide, except maybe for trade secrets."
Ezra was also asked about the government's intent to relocate all of the IDF's training bases from central Israel to a location in the Negev, somewhat close to Ramat Hovav.
"The government's decision stands and I see no reason to change it," said Ezra.