Aqaba Port’s Shocking Chlorine Gas Crisis
It was the kind of thing you’d expect in a high‑stakes disaster movie—except it was happening right in Jordan’s busy Aqaba port, and unfortunately, it was a very real and deadly event. Official reports say at least 12 people lost their lives, while 251 others were wounded.
The Leak in Action
According to authorities, the catastrophe started when a storage tank— nearly 25 tonnes of chlorine gas—placed for export to Djibouti, accidentally tipped over during transport. A winch failed, the tank crashed onto a ship’s deck, and yellowish fumes shot up through the air. The video that state television posted on its Twitter feed gave a chilling, almost cinematic glimpse of the chaos: people sprinting away, gas spreading like a chemical wildfire.
What Went Wrong?
Chlorine is common enough as a disinfectant and water purifier, but when it turns into hydrochloric acid in the lungs, it can ignite a fire‑like reaction that releases water in the chest, making breathing nearly impossible. The result? Severe internal injuries and, tragically, 12 deaths.
Aftermath and Response
- Medical care: Health ministry officials predict that by Tuesday, only a handful of patients will still be in hospitals.
- Inspection rush: Grain silos in the area halted operations to inspect for contamination—no grain ship was unloading during the incident.
- Maritime traffic: Despite the ordeal, shipping at Aqaba Port continues unabated.
- Leadership action: Prime Minister Bisher Al‑Khasawneh was on the scene, headed straight to the hospital, and set up an investigation team chaired by the interior minister.
Why Aqaba? Why Now?
Aqaba sits at the northern edge of the Red Sea, making it a key transit point for Iraqi cargo. It’s not just a port; it’s a lifeline. When a disaster hits such a hub, everyone who relies on it feels the ripple.
Takeaway with a Touch of Humor
Imagine the scene: a huge chlorine tank, a winch that says “nope,” and a ship deck that turns into the battlefield of a chemical show. While the human toll is heavy, let’s not forget the 12 brave souls who turned an ordinary day into a story worth telling—an alert reminder that safety protocols can’t be taken lightly.
