Ammon News - Eleven people suffered from respiratory distress on Monday following an ammonia gas leak at the industrial complex in Aqaba.

Nidal Al-Aouran, Commissioner for Environment and Public Safety at the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), said the leak occurred during maintenance work on an old pump, which caused the release of a residual accumulation of ammonia gas.

He noted that the amount of gas released was limited and was quickly brought under control by shutting off the source of the leak.

Al-Aouran added that the affected individuals sustained mild to moderate breathing difficulties. Some received treatment at the complex's clinic, while others were transferred to hospital for further care.

He also said the port was evacuated as a precautionary measure, stressing that operations are expected to resume within the coming hours after emergency procedures are completed and a final safety inspection confirms that conditions are secure.