Fire breaks out in Petah Tikva underground parking garage, spreading towards residential area
The Israel Fire and Rescue Authority said operations at the scene were continuing and that further updates would be provided as the situation develops.
A fire ignited Saturday in the underground parking garage of the upcoming BIG shopping complex in Petah Tikva, rapidly spreading thick smoke across the nearby area. This smoke extended beyond the construction site, affecting residential towers in the adjacent Neve Gan neighborhood. Emergency responders from the Petah Tikva fire station, along with police officers, responded to the call of what appeared to be a major blaze. The source of the fire remained undetermined at the time of reporting.
The fire department reported that plastic materials and pipes stored in the garage contributed to the extensive smoke, which not only consumed the parking structure but also ascended towards the residential zones. Firefighters are actively working to quell the flames while simultaneously identifying the fire's origin and improving air circulation within the underground garage.
The Israel Fire and Rescue Authority indicated that the situation is ongoing and promised further updates as the emergency unfolded. The dense smoke could be observed from a distance, covering a significant area, including parts of Neve Gan. While the fire posed a serious threat, there were no immediate reports of injuries. Later in the day, another incident occurred further south, where a bus caught fire on Highway 7, leading to the closure of the road for eastbound traffic.
Police advised motorists to steer clear of the area as firefighting efforts were underway, emphasizing the gravity of the ongoing emergency.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written; read the original for the full account.
