Update: The missing firefighter’s body has been found.  BDE.

A massive emergency response is currently underway in Northern Israel, after a eight tons of ammonia gas have leaked at a factory on Thursday night. Officials have declared a hazardous substances event in the Emek Hefer region, and evacuations are underway.

The ammonia is leaking from the Hod Hefer slaughterhouse. The ammonia is used for cooling, and it is believed that pipes in the plant cracked or were cut. According to a Ynet report, during routine work at the factory, an employee hit a pipe leading to storage of ammonia.

Hundreds of locals were evacuated or asked to remain indoors following the massive leak.

One person is missing, a 58-year-old man sustained moderate injuries, and 15 others were lightly hurt. More than 15 emergency services teams were deployed to the scene from across the country.

Twenty four fire crews began fighting the leak and creating seals to prevent the spread of the gas.

Emergency crews believe some eights tons of ammonia leaked due to the incident.