A fragment of a ballistic missile launched from Iran hit a unit of the Israeli pesticide manufacturer ADAMA, in southern Israel this Sunday (29), the country’s defense forces reported. Although there were no immediate reports of injuries, the fire caused by the attack raised concerns about a possible leak of dangerous chemicals.
The factory is located in the Neot Hovav industrial area, south of Beersheba. The IDF command issued a warning to civilians near the area to remain inside their homes due to the risk of hazardous materials leaking. The warning was later withdrawn by the Ministry of Environmental Protection, said The Times of Israel newspaper.
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Workers from both the stricken unit and adjacent factories were rushed to safe areas. According to the IDF, the missile did not directly hit the industrial zone, but a fragment fell into the facility there, causing the fire.
Search and rescue forces from the Home Front Command were sent to the scene and worked alongside the fire department to extinguish the fire, the army said. Fire and rescue crews said they worked to seal and contain damaged chemical storage units at the plant.
ADAMA produces active ingredients and crop protection materials and is part of the Chinese-owned Syngenta group.
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Shortly after the impact on the factory, another Iranian attack resulted in a missile hitting an open area in the city of Beersheba. The explosion broke windows of nearby houses. Rescue services reported that around 100 homes suffered damage, some of it significant, leaving residents unable to remain in their buildings.
The Magen David Adom emergency service reported that 11 people were injured by “flying objects” caused by the missile’s shock wave. MDA said it also treated another 20 people suffering from acute anxiety, and all 31 were taken to Soroka Medical Center. An eighth missile attack from Iran, also aimed at the south, was intercepted.
