Home / Disasters and Accidents / Sderot Factories Blaze: Ammonia Leak Fears Ruled Out
Sderot Factories Blaze: Ammonia Leak Fears Ruled Out
27 Jul
Summary
- A large fire erupted in two factories in Sderot, one belonging to Strauss and another to Tapugan.
- Concerns over an ammonia leak were raised but later dismissed by authorities.
- Two firefighters and one bystander sustained minor injuries.
A major fire engulfed two factories in Sderot, one operated by the food company Strauss and another by Tapugan, which produces frozen potato products. The incident, which reignited on Monday morning after starting Sunday afternoon, prompted a large response from Israel Police and over 53 fire crews. Two firefighters and a bystander were lightly injured and received medical attention.
Initial concerns about a potential ammonia leak from the factories were investigated and subsequently ruled out by the Environmental Protection Ministry and the Fire and Rescue Authority. Emergency forces focused on controlling the main areas of the fire. Police worked to block roads around the scene to ensure public safety.
Residents in a nearby neighborhood were instructed to remain indoors with their windows shut as a precautionary measure. Israel Railways announced that trains would bypass the Sderot station due to the fire. Strauss confirmed that their warehouse was evacuated with no injuries and that their snack production remains unaffected.
