At least 10 people have been killed and 251 injured after a tanker leaked toxic gas at Jordan’s Aqaba port. According to local media, a tanker was carrying chlorine gas at Aqaba Port late on Monday. It exploded as soon as the crane approached. In this 10 people died. After the incident, people were seen running to save their lives.
Government’s appeal – Stay at home
Jamal Obediyat, head of Aqaba Health Department said – We appeal to the people of the city to stay in their homes till further orders. If the problem is more, then keep the doors and windows of the houses completely closed. We expect the death toll to rise as many of the injured are in critical condition.
According to reports, the accident happened due to the fault of the employees . When the cylinder was being loaded onto the ship. Then there was a very loud explosion. After this the cylinder fell on the ground. Around 25 tonnes of chlorine gas was stored at this port at the time of the incident.
Information Minister Faisal Al Subul built a field hospital : We have given orders to build a field hospital immediately. The population of Aqaba is about one lakh 88 thousand. At some distance from here is the Israeli city of Ilat. Its population is 50 thousand. Both the cities are also connected by road. We have brought the situation under control, but it is true that the condition of some of the injured is very serious.