Investigation into Ashdod Refinery Deaths: Arrest Made

On February 11, 2026, two women, Nitzan Goinchman, 39, and Irena Radchuk, 52, were found unconscious at the Ashdod chemical refinery and were later pronounced dead at the scene. Both women were employees at the refinery, which plays a significant role in Israel's fuel and cooking gas supply, employing around 400 workers. Initial investigations suggested that their deaths were linked to a malfunction involving oxygen cylinders, with early theories indicating potential issues with the oxygen suits or the cylinders themselves. Reports have emerged that the tanks may have contained nitrogen instead of oxygen.

The Jerusalem PostYnetNews

On February 23, 2026, Israel Police arrested a suspect identified as a partner in the company supplying the oxygen tanks to the refinery. He is accused of manslaughter through negligence, with some reports indicating that he may also face charges of murder with indifference. Investigators are examining whether the cylinders contained medical air or other substances that could have led to suffocation. The Labor Ministry's Safety Administration has since alerted clients about the cylinders, emphasizing the need for immediate inspections to ensure compliance with safety standards.

YnetNews

The Health Ministry has mandated that all health institutions conduct immediate checks on medical gas cylinders, particularly focusing on oxygen and medical air. Any discrepancies in the labeling or contents of the cylinders must be addressed, with the ministry ordering the removal of cylinders supplied by Salem Yaakov and Sons. The investigation is ongoing, with police stating that autopsy results from the National Institute of Forensic Medicine may take weeks to finalize.

YnetNews

Attorney Yarom Halevy, representing the detained suspect, expressed concerns that the investigation has disproportionately focused on his client while neglecting other potential leads. He highlighted the legal definition of murder under Section 300 of the Penal Code, which includes causing death with indifference, suggesting that the investigation may need to consider broader culpability.

YnetNewsThe Jerusalem Post

The deaths of Goinchman and Radchuk have raised significant concerns within the community and among their families. Ilan, Goinchman's partner, voiced hope that the investigation would lead to accountability and clarity regarding the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. He emphasized the importance of maintaining public attention on the case to ensure that the truth is uncovered.

The Jerusalem Post

• “I hope the person arrested is responsible or that this will lead to further discoveries in the investigation.” — Ilan, Goinchman's partner

YnetNews

• “Unfortunately, I have a growing suspicion that from the beginning of the investigation the authorities have focused specifically on my client while neglecting other glaring investigative directions.” — Attorney Yarom Halevy

YnetNews

The investigation into the Ashdod refinery incident continues, with authorities committed to uncovering the full chain of events leading to the tragic deaths of Nitzan Goinchman and Irena Radchuk.

The Jerusalem Post