Two women were declared dead after being found unresponsive in a lab at the Ashdod oil refinery on Wednesday, United Hatzalah confirmed on Wednesday.
Early reports suggest a malfunction in their oxygen suits may have prevented them from receiving adequate air.
“We found two women unconscious after being informed by the factory workers that they were found wearing protective suits and may have been exposed to hazardous materials,” United Hatzalah paramedics stated.
“We performed prolonged resuscitation efforts, but unfortunately, their deaths were confirmed at the scene.”
The refinery said its certified in-house first aid team provided initial treatment until outside responders arrived. It added that police, Fire and Rescue Services, the Environmental Protection Ministry, and other relevant authorities were notified, and that the company will investigate and provide updates.
The Israel Police announced that they have opened an investigation into the circumstances of the accident, emphasizing that “at this moment there is no risk of hazardous materials leaking outside the facility and no danger to the public.”
Additionally, seven firefighting crews operated at an ammonia leak which occured at a factory in Tel Yosef.
According to Fire and Rescue Services Northern District, at this stage, there are no known casualties, and there is no danger to the public outside the building, where abnormal levels of ammonia were measured.
Pesach Benson contributed to this report.