Aqaba: 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, reported that the incident occurred around noon while maintenance was being performed on an old pump or pressure equipment.

According to Anadolu Agency, al-Awaran explained that an accumulation of ammonia led to the release of a small amount of gas during the maintenance process. The leak was swiftly brought under control, with technical teams ensuring that the issue was resolved. Civil defense and security personnel were dispatched to the site to manage the situation.

Al-Awaran noted that the affected individuals experienced suffocation cases ranging from mild to moderate. Some received treatment at the industrial complex's clinic, while others required hospitalization. As a precautionary measure, workers were evacuated from the area under the emergency procedures established for the industrial zone.

He further stated that the workers would be permitted to return to the site only after authorities conduct an additional inspection and take necessary measurements to confirm there are no remaining risks. The maintenance work was being carried out by a Japanese company, with the pump involved located within the industrial complex.

Al-Awaran emphasized that relevant authorities, in coordination with the Aqaba governor and other agencies, would review whether proper safety procedures were adhered to during the maintenance activities.