Report claims two Petah Tikva victims were in protected room that took direct hit

Two of the four people killed in Petah Tikva were sheltering in a protected space in their home, Army Radio reports, citing an initial investigation.

According to the report, the missile, carrying a large explosive payload, impacted a wall right between two reinforced rooms, which were unable to withstand the intensity of the blast.

Israeli authorities say reinforced rooms located inside apartments are suitable protective spaces in case of attack, though they are largely designed to protect against shrapnel, and unlike underground bunkers used for public shelters, cannot necessarily stand up to a direct impact of heavy explosives.

According to officials, reinforced rooms have saved countless lives in the missile barrages from Iran thus far.

The two other fatalities were reportedly outside of protective spaces when the missile struck. One person was on the floor above where the missile hit and the other was in a neighboring building hit by the blast wave, Army Radio reports.

There is no confirmation of the report.