Herzliya residents befuddled by large explosion with unknown cause

On Thursday evening, residents of Herzliya, the central city, were bewildered by a large and mysterious explosion that shook the area and caught the attention of authorities. Reports flooded in from concerned residents who heard the blast and felt its impact.

The explosion occurred in an uninhabited sandy region within the industrial district of the city. Photos purportedly taken at the site revealed a crater in the ground, further confirming the intensity of the blast. Although the cause of the explosion remains unknown at this time, speculation suggests it may have been triggered by old ammunition or reactive chemical substances.

The impact of the explosion was felt across central Israel and the Sharon region, reaching cities such as Ramat Gan, Givatayim, Kiryat Ono, Hod Hasharon, and Rosh Ha’ayin. In Herzliya, residents reported an unusual odor in the aftermath of the blast, accompanied by a substance in the air that caused a burning sensation in the eyes.

Mayor Moshe Fadlon of Herzliya acknowledged that the area was recognized to have explosives, and a court order had instructed authorities to clear the area over six years ago. Fadlon expressed concern about the lack of action, blaming it on the government’s preoccupation with judicial reforms, and warned that negligence could lead to loss of life. He stated, “This is a mountain full of explosives. Everyone is busy with the [judicial] reform.”

The Israel Defense Forces confirmed that there were no military operations being conducted in the vicinity at the time of the explosion, ruling out their involvement.

Authorities, including the Israel Fire and Rescue Services, are actively investigating the cause of the blast. They managed to extinguish a small fire that had broken out at the site. Sappers were deployed to conduct a thorough investigation. Witnesses described the explosion as horrific, with one eyewitness recounting the area being engulfed in black smoke and being covered in sand. Another resident shared the impact the explosion had on him, stating that the force was so powerful it knocked him out of his chair. The resident described the pervasive smell of gunpowder and the feeling that a war had erupted nearby, expressing profound confusion and distress.

Residents are left shaken and seeking guidance in the aftermath of this unexpected incident, hoping for answers and assistance in coping with the aftermath of the explosion.