A powerful explosion was heard this morning (Monday) in a 15-story residential building in the city of Yavne in central Israel, followed by a fire breaking out on the penthouse floor. Thick smoke was seen rising from the building.
According to the IDF, the explosion was caused by a drone that likely crossed into Israel from Yemen. No warning siren was activated, and the incident is currently being investigated. Firefighting teams from the Rehovot station are on site working to contain the blaze and conducting searches for anyone potentially trapped inside.
Video: Explosion of the drone in the Yavne apartment Building.
Etti Avivi, the owner of the damaged apartment, said: "We weren't home. We heard a boom—I think everyone in Yavne heard the explosion. I didn't connect the dots until I started getting calls from neighbors, and I just dropped everything."
"When I arrived, I saw my house on fire," Avivi continued. "When we got there, they told us that a drone likely crashed straight onto our balcony. Only the dog was home. Thank God no one was hurt, that it's just property damage, and that we're all healthy and safe. I just hope next time we win the lottery and not have a drone crash right onto our balcony."
The incident began when residents reported a loud explosion that shook the area. Shortly afterward, a fire erupted on the penthouse floor of the building. Magen David Adom (MDA) reported that no injuries have been reported so far, but firefighting teams are working to identify the fire's sources and bring it under control.
