Ammonia leak in Aqaba port injures 11 workers

On September 14, 2026, an ammonia gas leak occurred at an industrial site in the southern port city of Aqaba, Jordan, resulting in injuries to 11 people. The incident took place during maintenance work, which authorities described as involving an old pump or pressure equipment. According to Nidal Al-Ouran, Commissioner for Environment and Public Safety at the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority, the leak involved a small quantity of gas that had accumulated within the equipment. The injured individuals were reported to have sustained mild to moderate injuries.

Following the leak, authorities evacuated the southern port area as a precautionary measure. While the leak has been contained, workers remain restricted from returning to the site pending further safety inspections and air quality measurements by officials. Al-Ouran noted that the maintenance work was being conducted on behalf of an unnamed Japanese company. Operations will resume only after relevant authorities confirm that the area is free from further hazards.