VIDEO: 12 dead and 260 injured in toxic gas leak at Jordanian port

At least 12 people died and 260 were injured on Monday after a container full of toxic gas overturned and fell in the southern Jordanian port of Aqaba, according to official sources.

Jordan's General Security Agency said in a statement posted on social media that "a team of specialists in dealing with hazardous materials from the Civil Defense is trying to contain the leak."

Al menos 13 muertos y 260 heridos tras una fuga de gas en un puerto de Jordania pic.twitter.com/85ZxvnYGfv

— EL MUNDO (@elmundoes) June 28, 2022

According to the governor of Aqaba province, Mohamed al Rafaia, "the leak is far away from residential areas and the situation is under control."

Those affected who suffered asphyxia due to the chlorine explosion are being treated in hospitals in the area and in other centers set up by the authorities to attend to those affected.

Images from port security cameras broadcasted by state television and on social media show the moment when the container was being loaded onto the ship breaks loose and impacts the deck, causing an explosion. 

After the collision, a huge cloud of deep yellow spread across the area as port personnel fled the scene before being engulfed by the gas.

The container that fell while being loaded contained a "toxic gaseous substance." Several emergency crews responded to the scene and isolated the area, local television reported. 

Jordanian authorities claimed that it was an "accident" that was caused by a problem with the wiring of the crane holding the gas container.

Dr. Jamal Obeidat, head of the Aqaba Health Department, warned that the gas released "is critical" and urged the population to stay indoors and close windows and doors. The nearest residential area is 25 km away, according to international press reports.

The National Center for Security and Crisis Management reported that hospitals in Aqaba have been reinforced with staff to better respond to the emergency and stressed that the health facilities have sufficient oxygen.

The Ministry of State for Information Affairs said that Jordanian Prime Minister Bisher al-Jasaune ordered the launching of an investigation team to determine the causes of the incident.