Toxic gas leak at Ashalim Power Plant sparks outrage in 'Israel'
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Ashalim power plant in al-Naqab suffers a major malfunction, releasing toxic gases and triggering public outrage over the Israeli authorities' response.
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The Ashalim Solar Power Plant in the occupied al-Naqab region, occupied Palestine, December 15, 2022 (Wikimedia Commons)
A significant technical malfunction at an Israeli power plant site has compelled nearby residents to stay indoors as lethal gases spread, leading to widespread public outrage and prompting scrutiny over the authorities' handling of the situation.
A dangerous incident erupted at Ashalim thermal-solar power station in the al-Naqab region after an unusual technical malfunction struck its fuel systems and surrounding industrial facilities, leading to the release of hazardous and potentially lethal gases that spread across the plant and into the nearby Ramat Negev area.
The Ashalim facility, which operates as a hybrid power plant utilizing both thermal and solar technologies, encountered severe failures within its oil-based fuel systems.
Despite 24 hours having passed since the incident, residents took to social and local media to express frustration that the Israeli Ministry of Energy still had not identified the source of the malfunction, while Israeli authorities continued urging settlers to stay indoors as a precaution.
Following nearly 36 hours without communication, the Ministry of Energy maintained that settlers "must still avoid leaving their homes" to "possibly" stay protected from potential danger.
