The powerful explosion that rocked an Akko building on Monday, 17 Adar I 5774 led to the deaths of 5 people; two couples and a child.

Investigators announced early on into the case that the blast may have been connected to a dispute between neighbors surrounding cellular telephone antennas on the building rooftop.

Later in the day investigators announced they ruled out a bomb but there was still a question as to what ignited the gas to cause the powerful blast.

Maariv reports on Tuesday, 18 Adar I that with the evidence gathered to date, it appears a resident lit the antennas on the roof on fire and that fire triggered an explosion since there was a gas leak in the building. Police however are quick to add it is too early into the investigation to make a final determination, and it is possible the blast was caused by the gas leak but investigators do feel to think someone started a fire on the roof.

A final determination is expected in the coming days.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)