Four killed, 96 injured in big gas explosion in Netanya

A man has been arrested suspected of cutting the gas pipe and causing the huge explosion and fire which wrecked a four-story residential building on Independence Square in the Israeli seaside town of Netanya after midnight Thursday, June 16. Large teams of paramedics and fire fighters were called in and fought their way into the building amid a strong smell of gas. Four people were killed on the spot and another 96 injured – most with minor injuries. By morning, rescue workers were still going from room to room in the charred building's 150 apartments in search of people trapped there.  

The explosion occurred in one of the ground floor restaurants or cafes. Special police units on hand to question witnesses on suspected sabotage reached the suspect and detained him.

Security Minister Yitzhak Aharonovitch who arrived at the scene said all possible causes of the explosion are under investigation. Police commissioner Yohanan Danino denied finding indications of a terrorist attack.