Injuries in Jordan after phosphorus explosion at disposal site: army

Phosphorus bombs exploded at an ammunition disposal site in Jordan on Saturday, injuring a number of people, a military source said.

The incident happened as a bomb defusal team were dealing with old explosives, according to the Jordanian army. An emission of thick phosphorus smoke led to a number of smoke inhalation injuries among the personnel.

The injured people were transported to a hospital in Zarqa, near the capital Amman, for treatment but their exact number was unclear.

A statement by the army said they were in good condition.

One person was transported to another hospital after suffering second-degree burns in the hands and left leg, according to the statement.

The army called on citizens to refrain from spreading inaccurate information that could cause panic among the public.

A chlorine gas leak at Jordan’s only port last year killed 13 people and injured more than 300.

Five foreigners including at least four Asian nationals were among those killed in June when a tank of the toxic gas fell on the dockside in the port of Aqaba.