Ammonia gas leak in Jordan’s Aqaba industrial area injures 11 people

What the report says

At least 11 people were injured after an ammonia gas leak at Jordan’s Aqaba industrial complex, according to local media cited by Al Jazeera and Reuters. The incident took place in the southern port city of Aqaba, an important industrial and shipping hub on the Red Sea.

State-run Al-Mamlaka reported that authorities evacuated the port area as a precaution after the leak was detected. Al Jazeera, citing Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority commissioner for environment and public safety Nidal Al-Ouran, said the leak had been contained and that the injuries were described as minor to moderate.

Al-Ouran said the release happened during maintenance work on old pump or pressure equipment in the southern industrial area, away from residential neighborhoods. He said the ammonia had accumulated in the equipment and escaped in a small quantity. The maintenance work was being conducted for a Japanese company, though no company name was given.

Officials said workers would be able to return after further inspection, measurements and safety checks confirmed there was no remaining danger. The incident underscores the risks associated with industrial maintenance and hazardous materials handling in a major port zone, where temporary shutdowns or evacuations can affect local operations even when the leak is quickly brought under control.