13 people dead, at least 250 hospitalized in chlorine gas explosion in Jordan

At least 13 people were killed and 250 others were injured when a chlorine gas tank exploded at a port in Jordan on Monday.

The tank was being loaded onto a ship at the port of Aqaba when a cable snapped and it was dropped onto the ship’s deck and burst.

The explosion sent a cloud of yellow gas into the air and dock workers scrambling in hope of safety. Eight Jordanian citizens and five immigrants were killed.

Rescue workers put their own lives at risk to help save others and secure the scene, but the dangerous conditions meant 45 first responders were among the hundreds hospitalized, AFP news agency reported.

Authorities across Jordan said the chlorine gas had been contained by Monday night. The port of Aqaba, Jordan’s only seaport, was operating normally Tuesday with the exception of Dock Four, where the explosion happened, according to AFP.

Jordan Prime Minister Bisher al-Khasawneh said the government would investigate the disaster. The government said because of light winds at the time of the disaster, the chlorine gas was contained in and around the port.

Chlorine is used in various household items, from pool cleaners to bleach. But in gas form, it’s notoriously harmful; it was famously used in World War I as a chemical weapon.

With News Wire Services