A powerful explosion tore through Intel's Fab 28 semiconductor plant in Kiryat Gat, southern Israel, on Wednesday, leaving three people seriously injured and sending a thick plume of smoke over one of the country's most important tech sites. Magen David Adom confirmed the casualties, early reports said one of the wounded was unconscious, and Israeli media also reported an urgent helicopter evacuation. Fire and rescue crews rushed in, isolated the area, and warned that hazardous chemicals may have leaked while teams worked to find the source and put out the fire. Haaretz reported that firefighters pointed to a leak of nitrogen trifluoride, a nonflammable gas with oxidizing properties. Police said the blast is suspected to have been caused by a gas cylinder detonating, and confirmed it was not a terror attack.

Kiryat Gat is a major Intel manufacturing hub that turns out advanced chips, which is why a blast here raises questions that reach far beyond the factory gates. How does a gas cylinder explode inside a high-tech fab, how far could any chemical leak spread, and what does it mean for production? Authorities have not released a full explanation, and the investigation is still underway. The timing adds even more pressure, because Intel's planned $25 billion Fab 38 expansion next door has already been clouded by reported delays. For now, all eyes are on the condition of the injured workers and on what investigators find inside the plant.