At least 11 people have been injured in an ammonia gas leak in Jordan’s Aqaba industrial complex, according to local media, the incident occurred during maintenance work at the site, officials said.

Evacuation Ordered in Southern Port

State news channel Al Mamlaka reported on Monday that the southern port of Aqaba was evacuated as a precaution following reports of the gas leak; the evacuation was carried out to ensure public safety while authorities assessed the situation.

According to an official, the gas leak was contained within the industrial complex and did not spread to surrounding areas; the official added that the leak occurred during routine maintenance activities, suggesting that it may have been unintentional.

Containment Efforts Underway

Emergency services were deployed to the site of the ammonia leak to manage the situation and provide medical assistance to those affected; Local authorities confirmed that no further injuries have been reported since the incident was brought under control.

Ammonia is a common industrial chemical used in a variety of manufacturing processes, but it can be harmful if inhaled in large quantities and requires careful handling to avoid leaks or spills. The industrial complex in Aqaba has been the site of other chemical incidents in the past, according to reports.

Residents in the immediate vicinity were advised to remain indoors until the area was declared safe; Schools and businesses near the industrial complex were also temporarily closed as a precautionary measure.

Investigation to Determine Cause

Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the ammonia leak, the official added that the incident is being treated with the utmost seriousness and that any findings will be shared with the public.

While the government has not yet released details on the identities of those injured, it has stated that all affected individuals are receiving appropriate medical care. Aqaba is a key economic hub for Jordan and the surrounding region, and any disruption to its operations can have broader implications for trade and commerce.

The ammonia leak has raised concerns about industrial safety standards in the region — Local media have reported that similar incidents have occurred in the past, prompting calls for stronger oversight and regulation of industrial facilities.

As of now, there are no reports of environmental contamination linked to the leak. However, officials are monitoring air quality in the area and have not ruled out the possibility of long-term health effects for those exposed to the gas.