Criminal negligence suspected at Haifa oil refinery blaze

The oil refinery in Haifa at which a massive blaze broke out last week is likely guilty of violating several environmental and safety laws, according to an investigative report released Monday.

A special commission set up by the Environmental Protection Ministry said it was looking into potential criminal negligence, and that environmental inspectors would open a criminal investigation into officials at Oil Refineries Ltd. (ORL), where the fire occurred.

“The preliminary report found, among other things, suspicions of criminal activity in a variety of environmental violations relating to the conduct of ORL officers — both before and during the fire,” the commission wrote.

“A criminal investigation into these matters will be our top priority and a dedicated team will work to expedite the inquiry,” the Environment Ministry said.

Last week it was reported that the fire was caused by human error rather than some technical fault.

Details have been withheld while the active investigation is ongoing.

A spokesperson for ORL said the company did all it could to comply with industry regulations.

“Oil Refineries Ltd. works according to all the applicable laws and rules, which are among the most stringent in the Western World. The blaze was dealt with professionally. It was extinguished within a few hours without injuries and before it spread from the tank. The company is cooperating fully with the investigating officials and will continue to operate according to official recommendations of the authorities,” it said in a statement.

The December 25 fire closed main roads near the Haifa industrial zone and sent bright orange flames and thick black smoke billowing into the air above the large bay city. Many residents reported breathing difficulties.

The blaze was described as “a very serious incident” by Haifa fire services spokesman Yoram Levy. More than 40 firefighting teams were sent to contain the blaze.