A chemical leak at Mersin International Port in southern Türkiye affected 35 people after heavy equipment reportedly toppled a container carrying hazardous material, prompting emergency response operations at the terminal.
The incident occurred when a machine overturned onto a container, damaging it and triggering the release of a chemical substance. Port workers and other personnel in the area were exposed to the leak, with 35 people affected and requiring medical attention.
Emergency teams were deployed to the scene to isolate the affected area and contain the leak. Those exposed were taken for medical evaluation as authorities assessed the nature of the substance and the extent of the incident.
The accident temporarily disrupted activities in the affected section of the port as emergency personnel worked to secure the container and prevent further exposure. Safety measures were also implemented around the incident site while cleanup and containment operations were carried out.
Authorities are expected to investigate how the equipment toppled onto the container and whether proper handling and safety procedures were followed. The incident highlights the risks associated with moving and storing chemical and hazardous-material containers inside busy container terminals.
Mersin Port is a major gateway for Türkiye’s Mediterranean trade, handling containerised cargo, general cargo and other commodities. Any incident involving hazardous cargo can require additional safety controls and potentially affect terminal operations while the situation is brought under control.