Chlorine Leak Kills 13 and Injures 250 In Jordan
An accident which has resulted in the leakage of Chlorine gas has reportedly killed more than 13 people in Jordan and has injured more than 250 people.
An accident which has resulted in the leakage of Chlorine gas has reportedly killed more than 13 people in Jordan and has injured more than 250 people.
A crane loading chlorine tanks onto a ship in Jordan's port of Aqaba on Monday 27th June accidently dropped one of them. This caused a huge explosion of toxic yellow smoke that reportedly killed 13 people and injured more than 250. According to authorities a chemical storage container fell while being transported as a result of a technical error which occurred in the crane. CCTV footage of the incident showed the container being hoisted into the air and then suddenly dropping and exploding. A large cloud of bright yellow gas is seen spreading across the ground. Dockworkers are also seen scrambling to escape the toxic smoke.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1541790186442526720
More than 250 people were admitted in the hospital on 27th June, around 123 people were discharged from the hospital on 28th June. Out of those still admitted, some were in critical condition.
"The situation in Aqaba is now under control," Prime Minister Bisher al-Khasawneh said after visiting the port. He also ordered Interior Minister Mazen Faraya to investigate the incident. Following the incident, the authorities advised residents of Aqaba city to stay inside and close windows and doors. As a precaution, Aqaba's beach was also evacuated.
Chlorine is a chemical which is used in industry and in household cleaning products. It is also used in swimming pools to kill germs. When chlorine is inhaled, swallowed or comes into contact with skin, it damages cells in the body. After the leak, due to exposure to dangerous levels of chlorine, people experienced blurred vision, difficulty in breathing, fluid in lungs etc.
