Military police open probe into Gaza crane collapse that killed 2 soldiers

Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent

The IDF Military Police has launched an investigation into a deadly incident in the Gaza Strip late Wednesday, during which a crane used by the army collapsed, killing two soldiers and wounding eight others.

The Military Police investigation will probe the circumstances of the incident, including suspected negligence.

According to an initial IDF probe, strong winds that swept across the region caused a crane operated by the military to fall over during the night, crashing down on the soldiers.

The crane was holding aloft a platform containing surveillance equipment and antennas, used by the IDF in Gaza during the war to provide mobile observation for troops.

As it toppled over, the crane came down on a fortified military post, landing on a tent where the soldiers were, killing Sgt. First Class (res.) Nadav Cohen and Staff Sgt. Nachman Refael Ben Ami.

Staff Sgt. Nachman Refael Ben Ami, left, and Sgt. First Class (res.) Nadav Cohen, killed in an accidental crane collapse in Gaza on February 6, 2025. (Courtesy)

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