"Following a malfunction in one of the complex facilities that included the collapse of a compressor in a facility for the production of gasoline, excess gas was released by the torches for security purposes," Haifa's refinery complex stated, according to Ynet. The shocking view shows two massive flames coming out of the chimney-looking torches, emitting black smoke to the surrounding area.
Attorney Sarit Golan from the Environmental Protection Union in Haifa noted that the alarming incident proves that the petrochemical industry must be moved elsewhere, as it poses dangers to nearby residential areas.
"As families sat down to enjoy their Shabbat dinners they were forced to witness the horrifying images of burning torches emitting toxics into the air. This malfunction, like other malfunctions that occur at the complex time and time again, strengthen the position of the union that the petrochemical industry must be evacuated from this residential area," Golan noted, adding that "the decision must be made in order to prevent the various dangers to the public, which this complex generates."
According to Haifa's refinery complex, the incident has been dealt with and poses no danger to the surrounding facilities.