Yellow Clouds Cover Harbor... Toxic Gas Leak from Gas Tank Explosion in Jordan

Southern Akabaseo Goat Tank Fall Accident
About 200 Injured Receiving Hospital Treatment

On the 27th (local time), a gas tank being transported by crane at the port of Aqaba in southern Jordan fell and exploded, releasing yellow chlorine gas. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Intern Lee Gyehwa] At the port of Aqaba in southern Jordan, a toxic gas leak resulted in at least 12 deaths and around 250 injuries.

On the 27th (local time), according to foreign media including CNN, Jordanian authorities reported that the accident occurred due to a crane malfunction while loading a gas tank containing chemicals.

The exploded tank reportedly contained about 30 tons of chlorine gas intended for export to the neighboring country Djibouti.

Amer Al-Sartawi, spokesperson for the Jordan Public Safety Department (PSD), explained, "The tank filled with chlorine gas fell during transportation, causing the gas to leak," adding, "The injured who inhaled the gas were transported to hospitals, and an immediate evacuation order was issued for the beaches in the Aqaba area."

Local authorities advised all residents within a 16 km radius of the accident to close windows and stay indoors, and are currently investigating the exact cause of the accident.

Meanwhile, although some confusion occurred at the Aqaba port immediately after the accident, authorities reported that most maritime traffic at the port has now returned to normal.