Six months after the fatal incident on February 11 at the Ashdod refinery, the police investigation has reached a significant milestone with the transfer of the case to the State Attorney’s Office for review. The case drew widespread attention after chemical engineers Irina Radchuk and Nitzan Goychman (of blessed memory) lost their lives during routine work in a hazardous materials testing room.
According to findings by the police and the Ministry of Labor, the two were working while wearing suits connected to tanks containing 100% nitrogen, rather than the standard medical-grade air tanks. The investigation has raised suspicions against several individuals, including managers at the refinery, as well as owners and managers of the external company that supplied the tanks. Following the disaster, the laboratory manager stepped down, and the testing room in question remains closed to this day.
Parallel to the legal proceedings, testimony revealed by ynet points to internal organizational tension. A veteran laboratory engineer, who requested anonymity, alleged that for years he had warned management about the need to implement critical safety measures, such as installing surveillance cameras in the testing area and an emergency distress button. According to the engineer, had these measures been in place, it might have been possible to detect the collapse of the two engineers in real-time and provide rapid medical assistance. The engineer claims that after the incident, management informed employees that it believed it had acted correctly, shifting responsibility toward the external suppliers.
In response, the Ashdod refinery stated that it shares in the families' grief and has been supporting them since the tragedy. The company noted that as the investigation is still ongoing, it cannot comment on the specifics of the case beyond that, emphasizing that it invests resources and management attention to ensure a safe work environment. Currently, the refinery is preparing to resume activity in the testing room, while implementing new safety protocols that, according to internal sources, were long overdue. The case highlights the importance of strict safety protocols in work environments handling hazardous materials, and the administrative responsibility held by officials at various levels in the event of failures. For LawFirms.pro readers, this case serves as a somber reminder of the legal and civil risks involved in violating safety standards and the importance of compliance for facility managers.