Gaza Strip, February 6, 2025 – A tragic incident occurred last night (Thursday) in the northern part of the newly established buffer zone in the Gaza Strip, when an operational crane collapsed during a fierce storm, killing two soldiers and injuring several others. The collapse took place near midnight, and the soldiers were inside a building at the outpost when the crane fell.
One of the soldiers who died was Nadav Cohen, a 21-year-old reserve soldier from Moshav Beit Hanan, serving in the 51st Battalion of the Golani Brigade. The identity of the second fallen soldier has not been disclosed yet, though their family has been notified. In addition to the fatalities, another soldier was seriously injured, and seven others sustained light to moderate injuries.
The soldiers were part of a Golani Brigade unit operating under Brigade 188 in the Gaza Strip. As a result of the incident, the IDF has suspended the operation of all cranes in the envelope and posts along the Gaza Strip, including the Netzarim and Philadelphia routes, until the investigation is complete and the weather conditions improve. Initial reports suggest that the collapse was caused by a sudden and exceptionally strong wind.
According to the IDF, the crane was a lifting platform commonly used in the Strip to lift observation equipment such as cameras and radars at temporary posts. The strong wind at the time, which reached speeds of about 60 km/h according to the Meteorological Service, is believed to have contributed to the disaster.
Grief-Stricken Family Reacts to Loss
Amit Cohen, Nadav’s uncle, shared the family’s devastation with Ynet, recounting how the family had hoped that the dangers of war were behind them. "We thought everything was behind us," Cohen said. "When we were with him on October 7, we were in Gaza, we were in Lebanon, we returned to Gaza. We thought everything was behind us, and then this disaster came, terribly terrible."
Cohen continued, “Our child, the eldest of the tribe in Moshav Beit Hanan. The first child born to us here and we lost him tonight. No, you can't fill a hole like that, we are broken here." The uncle expressed the shock of losing Nadav in an accident that came seemingly out of nowhere.
Storm Causes Further Casualties and Damage
In addition to the crane collapse, the severe weather conditions, including strong winds, caused widespread damage across the region. In Eilat, a 41-year-old woman was found dead on a street, suspected to have died from hypothermia. MDA emergency medical technician Yossi Bar reported that the woman was found unconscious and very cold to the touch and was pronounced dead at the scene.
At approximately 4:30 AM, emergency responders received a call about a 95-year-old man showing signs of hypothermia at a home in Bnei Brak. He was rushed to Mayanei Hayeshua Hospital in serious condition.
MDA officials have urged people to check on the elderly, sick, and those living alone regularly during these cold days to prevent further tragedies.
The IDF investigation into the crane collapse is ongoing, and authorities have warned that operations in the Gaza buffer zone will remain halted until the investigation is complete and weather conditions stabilize.
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