An explosion and subsequent fire at Intel’s semiconductor plant in Kiryat Gat left three workers with burns on Wednesday, prompting a major emergency response at the southern Israel facility. Magen David Adom reported that the three injured employees were conscious at the scene, while United Hatzalah indicated that two men estimated to be in their 40s to 50s were evacuated in critical condition after CPR efforts. Eight firefighting teams, including specialized hazardous materials units, raced to the site to search for anyone trapped, contain the blaze, and assess risks from potential chemical exposure. Police opened an investigation into a possible gas cylinder explosion and the involvement of hazardous materials at the factory. Thick black smoke was reported rising from the plant, drawing rapid deployment of rescue and fire crews. The incident occurred at the major chip manufacturing site known as Fab 28 in the Rabin Industrial Park. Authorities stressed that the explosion did not appear linked to any hostile activity.

Emergency services continued working to fully extinguish the fire and monitor the area for any lingering dangers while the three injured workers received treatment. Initial reports from medical teams described burns of varying severity, with two of the victims requiring resuscitation before being stabilized for transport. Police secured the scene, directed traffic, and kept the public away as investigations into the exact cause proceeded. Fire officials confirmed the presence of nitrogen trifluoride, a nonflammable but toxic gas with oxidizing properties, among the materials at the site. The rapid arrival of hazmat specialists helped limit further spread and evaluate exposure risks to workers and responders. Local officials later indicated the blaze had been brought under control and that there was no ongoing threat to the surrounding community. The event has drawn attention to industrial safety protocols at one of Israel’s key high-tech manufacturing hubs.