Tragedy in Gaza: Two Soldiers Killed, One Critically Injured in Crane Crash

Photo Credit: IDF Spokesperson's Office

Sergeant Major (Res.) Nadav Cohen Zl.

On Thursday, the IDF authorized the release of information confirming that reservist Sergeant Major Nadav Cohen, 21, from Moshav Beit Hanan, a Golani fighter in the 51st Battalion, and another soldier were killed in a crane collapse in the Gaza Strip. Eight additional soldiers were injured, including one Golani fighter in serious condition. With these fatalities, the total number of IDF casualties since the start of the war has reached 846.

The fatal accident took place near midnight when the crane, weakened by strong winds, collapsed and fell directly onto a tent housing IDF soldiers. The incident occurred inside an IDF shelter near the Gaza border, where IDF forces continue their operations despite the ceasefire.

The IDF initiated a thorough investigation in the aftermath of the accident, focusing particularly on the actions of the forces on the ground. The investigation aims to determine whether the soldiers had adequately prepared for the stormy weather and strong winds by securing the crane or lowering it until conditions improved.

The crane that collapsed is a “lifting platform” type, an engineering tool commonly used for work at high altitudes. The IDF has been utilizing this equipment for over a year to install observation devices and communication antennas at elevated positions, employing a hydraulic arm that can reach heights of several dozen meters.

Since the onset of the war, the IDF has been using various types of cranes to meet a range of operational needs.