3 seriously wounded in explosion in Israel Intel plant

JERUSALEM, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- Three people were seriously wounded on Wednesday in an explosion at a plant belonging to U.S. chip giant Intel in the southern Israeli city of Kiryat Gat, Israel's national emergency service, Magen David Adom (MDA), said in a statement.

According to MDA, the three injured men suffered severe burns. A man around 50 years old was in serious and unstable condition, a man around 30 years old was in serious and unstable condition, and a 26-year-old man was in serious but stable condition.

Israeli police suspected the explosion may have been caused by a gas cylinder explosion, although the cause had not been confirmed.

Police and the Environmental Protection Ministry said authorities were investigating a possible hazardous materials leak following the explosion and the fire.

Authorities cordoned off the site to protect the public and allow emergency crews to respond safely.