Jordan's Minister of Information, Faisal Al-Shboul, revealed to Sky News Arabia details of the "catastrophic" incident that occurred at Aqaba Port, where chlorine gas leaked from a tank. Al-Shboul explained in an interview with Sky News Arabia: "The incident involved a tank loaded with chlorine for export, which was being raised towards a cargo ship. The tank fell and exploded, and chlorine gas is very toxic and can cause suffocation." Jordanian authorities stated that the toxic gas leak resulted in the deaths of at least 13 people and injured around 250 others.
The winds dispersed the gas. Al-Shboul noted that anyone in the vicinity was considered in direct danger, stating: "We dealt as quickly as possible with directing individuals to hospitals in Aqaba. The gas leak has completely stopped, and what helped reduce the damage was that the winds were blowing in the opposite direction from the port, towards the sea, thus diminishing the gas leak towards residential areas."
According to Al-Shboul, the health capacity in Aqaba was reinforced by two planes from the capital Amman that headed to the accident site immediately. The Jordanian Minister of Information confirmed that the health sector in Aqaba was able to accommodate the injured, and things have begun to improve compared to three hours prior when the incident occurred. Al-Shboul also indicated that everyone who was in the area, whether injured or nearby, was evacuated.
