Ammonia Leak At Aqaba Industrial Complex Leaves 11 With Breathing Difficulties

(MENAFN- Jordan Times) AMMAN - Eleven people suffered minor to moderate breathing difficulties on Monday following an ammonia gas leak at an industrial complex in Aqaba, according to Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) Commissioner for Environment and Public Safety Nidal Awarani.

Awarani said that Civil Defence and security personnel responded to the site immediately, securing the area and containing the leak shortly after it occurred around midday.

He said that the incident occurred during maintenance work on a pump by a Japanese company operating inside the industrial complex, adding that residual ammonia gas had accumulated at the site, causing a minor leak during the work, Al Mamlaka TV reported.

Some of those affected were treated at the complex's clinic, while others were transferred to hospital for further medical evaluation, according to Civil Defence and medical personnel.

Awarani said that workers had taken initial safety precautions, but their proximity to the leak resulted in cases of breathing difficulties.

As a precautionary measure under the industrial zone's emergency plans, workers were temporarily evacuated from the facility.

Authorities and ASEZA personnel conducted safety inspections and environmental measurements to ensure that no risk remained before employees were allowed to resume work.

ASEZA said that it will review the safety procedures applied during the incident in coordination with the Governor of Aqaba and relevant security agencies to ensure compliance and address any technical observations.

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