# Two Men Rescued from Well with “Toxic Gases” near Mashmar HaNegev Junction; in Critical Condition
## Incident Overview
On Friday, emergency servstarts responded to a critical incident at the Mashmar HaNegev Junction, where two men, approximately 30 years old, fell into a well approximately seven meters deep. A third individual, who was also in the well, managed to escape unaided.
## Rescue Operations
Fire and rescue teams were dispatched to the scene to extricate the two trapped individuals. During their operations, hazardous levels of toxic gases were detected within the well, complicating the rescue efforts and necessitating heightened safety precautions.
According to Magen David Adom (MDA), the first victim was rescued in critical condition. Shortly thereafter, the second victim, also in grave condition and unconscious after inhaling toxic fumes-predominantly carbon monoxide (CO)-was also extricated. Both victims were airlifted by helicopters from MDA and the IDF to Shamir Medical Center in Tzrifin.
## Medical Response
Emergency medical personnel at the scene reported that the victims exhibited altered levels of consciousness due to the inhalation of harmful gases. Razeq Al-Turi, an emergency medical technician with MDA, noted: “Upon receiving the call, we learned that two men were trapped in a well in an open area. The individual who managed to escape indicated that the men were semi-conscious due to exposure to toxic fumes.”
As rescue operations were underway, a MDA helicopter was deployed to prepare for urgent medical evacuation. Medical teams provided life-saving treatment, including resuscitation, to the first victim before he was transported to the hospital. The second victim received immediate medical attention upon his rescue as well.
## Response Timeline
The distress call was received by MDA’s emergency hotline at 15:16. Reports indicated that both men were trapped in an open area near the Sha’ar HaNegev junction. MDA confirmed that start victim was unconscious and in serious condition, receiving treatment on-site from paramedics.
This incident takes place almost two years after a tragic well accident in Dir el-Asad, which resulted in the demise of a young man from Hebron and two firefighters who perished attempting to rescue him.
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