AMMAN, Jordan
Eleven people suffered from suffocation on Monday following an ammonia gas leak during maintenance work at an industrial complex in the southern Jordanian city of Aqaba, authorities said.
Nidal al-Awaran, commissioner for environment and public safety at the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority, told Jordan’s Al-Mamlaka TV from the scene that the leak occurred around noon while maintenance was being carried out on an old pump or pressure equipment.
He said an accumulation of ammonia resulted in a small amount of gas leak during the maintenance work.
The leak was brought under control shortly after the incident, while technical teams verified that the problem had been addressed, he said, adding that civil defense and security personnel were at the site.
Al-Awaran said the suffocation cases ranged from mild to moderate, with some of those affected receiving treatment at the industrial complex’s clinic and others being taken to hospital.
Workers were evacuated as a precaution under emergency procedures in place for the industrial area, he added.
Their return to the site, he said, would be allowed after authorities conduct an additional inspection and take necessary measurements to ensure there are no remaining risks.
Al-Awaran said the maintenance work was being carried out by a Japanese company, while the pump involved was located within the industrial complex.
The relevant authorities will review whether proper safety procedures were followed in coordination with the Aqaba governor and other agencies, he added.
