Six civilian employes of the Israel Military Industry were killed last night when explosives they were preparing to test detonated, a military spokesman announced today. The names of the victims were not immediately released.
Security sources determined that the blast was definitely accidental and that no terrorist activity was involved. Nevertheless, Yosef Mayan, Director General of the Defense Ministry, has appointed a special committee to investigate the accident, headed by Dr. Benzion Naveh, director of the Arms Development Authority.
The explosion occurred at an arms plant located in an isolated area of central Israel for from any population center. Police closed off the area while the investigation was underway. No other causalities or damage was reported in the vicinity.
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