There is a massive fire at the Beersheba refinery, chemical storage facilities are damaged, there is a risk of leakage

Rescuers are working on sealing damaged chemical storage facilities at the Neot Hovav industrial complex in Israel in the city of Beersheba. It is reported by the British The Guardian.

A powerful fire is raging at one of the factories of the complex after the Iranian missile attack, there are concerns about the leakage of hazardous materials. The IDF said the fire could have been caused by a "weapon fragment or an interceptor fragment."

The footage and images from the scene show an open fire and clouds of thick black smoke above the facility, where, according to the newspaper, more than 30 enterprises of different companies are located. The complex is located near the city of Beersheba.

Israel's Fire and Rescue Service said it was working to "prevent an explosion or additional leaks." The local population was asked not to approach this area due to the "presence of hazardous materials" and urged residents of nearby houses to stay at home, close windows and air vents, and follow the instructions of the security and rescue services.

The National Emergency Service "Magen David Adom" notes that the dead have not yet been reported. Workers of nearby factories have been evacuated.

Later, the Israeli Ministry of Environmental Protection stated that there was no risk to the public, The Times of Israel reports.

"No hazards have been identified regarding the hazardous materials incident or the threat to the public," said Environment Minister Idit Silman.

According to her, the ministry's staff carried out measurements and monitoring on the spot, "in accordance with the results of the updated tests, it was decided to open the roads and restore normal activity."

As reported by EADaily, the Iranian Armed Forces launched a missile attack on a refinery in a large industrial zone Neot Hovav near the city of Beersheba in southern Israel. This was reported by local media.