At least three people were seriously injured in a massive explosion at an Intel factory in Kiryat Gat, southern Israel, with hazardous chemicals feared to have leaked from the site.
Explosion and injuries
A spokesperson for Israeli medical emergency service Magen David Adom confirmed that at least three people had been injured in the blast at the Intel factory in Kiryat Gat.
Israel's Fire and Rescue Authority reported that hazardous chemicals had possibly leaked as a result of the explosion, and that crews were working to locate the source of the chemicals and extinguish the ensuing fire, according to the Jerusalem Post.
Police response and cause
Israel Police said the explosion was suspected to have been caused by the detonation of a gas cylinder, and confirmed that it had not been caused by hostile terrorist activity.
Police and emergency rescue services are operating to keep civilians away from the scene and preserve public safety, and have warned people to stay away.
Factory background
Intel's Kiryat Gat factory manufactures semiconductor chips and is also known as FAB 28.
This is a breaking news story.
