The United States is formally extending its sympathy and stands ready to assist the country of Jordan in the wake of a deadly explosion at the Port of Aqaba that killed more than a dozen people and injured hundreds, the State Department (DOS) announced recently.
Thirteen people died and more than 250 were injured in a toxic gas leak at the port on June 27, the Guardian reports. Toxic gas exploded from a 25-ton tank filled with chlorine when a cable lifting the tank broke, "sending the container crashing down," the Guardian reports.
"A video posted on state television’s Twitter page showed the tank slamming into the deck of a ship," the Guardian report states, "releasing clouds of yellow gas that sent dock workers racing away."
Injured individuals were taken to two state hospitals, a field hospital and a private health facility, according to the Guardian report. The Guardian quoted Jamal Oveidat, Aqaba's health director, as saying those injured were in "medium to critical condition." Residents were told to stay indoors and keep their windows closed, and Aqaba's popular southern beach was evacuated.
Chlorine is commonly used as a disinfectant and water purifier that's typically pressurized and cooled for transportation. However, if inhaled, the gas turns into hydrochloric acid, causing internal burning and pulmonary edema, a life-threatening build-up of fluid in the lungs.
BBC News reported that after "several hours" had passed after the accident, Jordan's Minister of State for Media Affairs Faisal Shboul announced there was no longer any risk to Aqaba or its residents. The leak and clean-up operation was being coordinated by the Civil Defense Department, according to the BBC.
Ned Price, DOS spokesperson, stated on social media that the U.S. government was saddened by the loss of life and prepared to offer assistance.
"The U.S. sends its deepest condolences to the families of the victims impacted by the gas leak at the Port of Aqaba," Price stated in a June 28 Twitter post. "We stand with the Jordanian people and are ready to help the Government of Jordan through this tragic time."
