One person was killed on Thursday evening in a hazardous substances event in the Emek Hefer region, in north-central Israel, as ammonia gas leaked from the Hod Hefer slaughterhouse. The ammonia is used for cooling, and it is believed that pipes in the plant cracked or were cut.

A total of 16 people were injured, one classified as being in moderate condition. One firefighter, originally declared missing inside the Hod Hefer factory, was later found dead.

Residents of seven communities in the area have been asked to stay inside structures, and likewise the industrial area and adjacent roads have been closed off.

Twenty four fire crews began fighting the leak and creating seals to prevent the spread of the gas.

Fire crews reported that about eight tons of ammonia gas have been released into the air.

A 58-year-old man was moderately hurt and taken to Hillel Yaffe Hospital in Hadera. Two firefighters were taken to hospital in light condition after inhaling ammonia.

Highway 4 has been blocked for northward traffic, from Haroeh Junction on.