Residents in western Rishon Lezion have been reporting a sharp, gas-like odor since Sunday evening, with the smell noticeable across multiple streets in the city.
Two women arrived at Shamir Hospital on Sunday night suffering from shortness of breath caused by the odor, and parents are reporting that children have been vomiting.
Worried residents say they are afraid to leave their homes. "There's a terrible stench of gas here," one resident said. "You can't breathe. We don't know what to do with the babies."
According to unconfirmed local reports, some 57,000 people were affected by the incident. Some evacuated their homes, others were taken to hospitals, and some resorted to putting their heads in freezers to treat dizziness. Numerous complaints were received about a burning sensation in the throat and chest, along with dizziness.
Fire and rescue teams conducted extensive searches in the western part of the city, but monitoring tests found no unusual concentrations of gas or signs of hazardous materials. The Environmental Protection Ministry said its personnel continue to work in the field in an attempt to locate the source of the smell, which remains unknown.
City Hall response
Rishon Lezion Municipality stated: "The incident has been ongoing since yesterday at 19:30. Mayor Raz Kinstlich has asked the Health Ministry and the Home Front Command to join efforts to locate the source. So far, the source of the smell has not been found."
