As a result of the accident, the rig was closed and the torch was activated. • The Ministry of Energy did not elaborate on the cause of the accident. "Residents reported a fire that painted the sky red"

A malfunction occurred shortly before at the Noble Energy Whale rig, which is off the Carmel coast. The Ministry of Energy said Saturday evening that the rig was closed and the torch was activated. According to the ministry, lighting the torch is a safety measure to prevent air pollution. However, the office has not yet specified the cause of the malfunction.

Whale rig malfunction - torch lit // Photo: Eli Amzalag

The Ministry of the Environment also said: "A short time ago, Nobel Energy was notified of an operating fault in a whale rig. The sensors in the basin were operating and gas flow was stopped ashore. At this time, there are no exceptions in air quality values ​​at the monitoring stations in the coastal area. Examines compliance of the facility with the terms of the law and permit, and decides on its steps as soon as possible. "

In response to the mishap, Yoni Sapir, chairman of the Housekeepers' Association, said: "This is the 23rd whale's fault in four months of operation, since the operation of the high pressure torch that was activated this evening is routinely prohibited by the whale's emission permit. Residents reported a panic and fire of an unprecedented scale to the day that painted the sky red. This is in addition to many recent reports from area residents about burns, severe smells and headaches. This horror play in front of soft children's homes must stop. "

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This is not the first time the emergency torch of the rig has been lit, causing panic among residents and drivers on the nearby coastal road. About three months ago, another accident occurred in the rig and residents reported an explosion and flame breaking out of the sea. Noble Energy claimed it was a power outage. "The fall in electricity is due to a combination of high demand and electricity as a result of the cold weather for maximum non-gas production."