A chemical leak occurred at Mersin International Port in Turkey early on September 4, affecting 35 workers and leading to a temporary suspension of port operations.
The incident happened at around 02:20 local time after a piece of heavy equipment overturned onto a container carrying a chemical substance. The container was damaged and the substance inside leaked into the surrounding area.
Emergency teams from Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority, AFAD, were dispatched to the port.
According to preliminary assessments, the leaked substance was identified as ethyl acrylate. AFAD specialists carried out measurements in the affected area and reported that the readings did not exceed permitted safety levels.
A security zone was established around the scene, while the damaged container was moved to a protective containment pool in an isolated area.
A total of 35 workers were affected by the strong chemical odor. They were transported by ambulance to hospitals as a precaution.
According to local authorities, their general health condition was good and medical observation continued.
Following the leak, workers were temporarily evacuated from the port area and operations were suspended while emergency teams secured the site and carried out environmental checks.
Authorities continue to assess the incident and investigate the circumstances that led to the heavy equipment overturning onto the container.
