Two injured in huge Ashdod car explosion
Explosion, which set nearby vehicles ablaze, believed to be caused by attempted mafia-related hit near high school in coastal city; both victims known to police.
The victims, both of whom are known to the police, were standing outside the vehicle at the time of the explosion and were evacuated by Magen David Adom paramedics to Assuta Medical Center in Ashdod.
While it was not immediately clear what triggered the explosion which took place on Mount Hermon Street at parking lot near a residential apartment block, it later transpired that it was caused by a criminal-related feud.
Thick plumes of black smoke, brushing against the walls of the white residential building, could be seen rushing to the skies as two vehicles were entirely engulfed by the ferocious flames following the blast.
Footage of the incinerating vehicles also shows a third car partially being consumed by the fires.
Medics later reported that one of the wounded victims was a 45-year-old man who suffered moderate injuries to his lower body. The second victim, said to be 48 years old, sustained light injuries.
One eyewitness at the scene described the moments when the car exploded, shattering the windows of the buildings in the vicinity in its wake.
“I thought at first that a rocket had been fired. I looked from my window and saw cars on fire. I left my house and was a huge commotion,” he said.
“Cars continued to explode at the same time. There is a school hear nearby. Loads of children left the place in panic. I heard something about a technical fault but there are a lot of rumors.”
