IDF Soldier Suffers Severe Burns in Accidental Gasoline Ignition Incident

A 20-year-old soldier from the Israel Defense Forces’ (IDF) Caracal Battalion is fighting for his life after sustaining severe burns in an accidental fire on a southern military base, according to statements released on Sunday.

The soldier, identified only as G, suffered third-degree burns on 30% of his body after a gasoline container reportedly ignited. The incident is believed to have occurred while the base’s Chief Sergeant First Class lit a cigarette in the vicinity of soldiers handling gasoline. Flames quickly erupted, leaving G critically injured.

Emergency responders evacuated the soldier to a hospital, where he remains in intensive care. His injuries affected his head, face, ears, chest, back, and hands. G’s sister shared an emotional message on Instagram, describing his dire condition and pleading for public awareness.
“Thirty percent of his body was covered in third-degree burns. He is in intensive care fighting for his life,” she wrote. “He always wanted to contribute and serve the country. How could something like this happen to a soldier in the IDF?”

Military sources confirmed that the Chief Sergeant First Class had instructed soldiers to pour gasoline at the scene, although it is unclear whether the soldiers knew G was nearby. Initial reports suggest that flammable material leaking from a gasoline container may have triggered the accident.

The IDF issued a statement acknowledging the incident, describing the soldier’s injuries as moderate but confirming that a formal investigation had been launched.

“An IDF soldier was moderately injured at a military base in the south of the country. The soldier was taken to a hospital for medical treatment, and his family was notified. Following the incident, an investigation was opened by the Military Police, and upon its completion, the findings will be referred to the military prosecution for review,” the statement read.

Sources close to G revealed that he had previously experienced significant hearing loss due to prolonged exposure to military noise, resulting in a lowered medical profile.

This reassignment moved him from a combat position to kitchen duties on the base, which he reportedly found demoralizing. He had been actively seeking a return to a more meaningful role and had requested meetings with his commanders and a military mental health officer (Kaban) over the past six months, but his appeals were repeatedly denied.

Family members have expressed frustration that a soldier so determined to serve ended up critically injured in a preventable accident. The case has sparked questions about base safety procedures and whether proper risk assessments were conducted before flammable materials were handled near open flames.

The Military Police investigation will determine if negligence played a role in the incident. Meanwhile, G remains in critical condition, with his family and supporters urging the public to share his story as he continues to fight for his life.

This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members