Chlorine gas leak in Diyala leads to 20 cases of asphyxiation, poisoning

DIYALA – A chlorine gas leak at a water project in Diyala province on Saturday resulted in 20 cases of asphyxiation and poisoning, according to the Diyala Health Department.

A local source reported that police received a call about the leak at the central Bani Saad water project.

“The leak was found in two gas cylinders due to corrosion of the valves, as the cylinders were old,” the source said. Civil defence teams managed to contain the leak by submerging the damaged cylinders in water basins to neutralize the chlorine gas.

Several families living near the project were affected, showing symptoms of poisoning. They were transported to a local health clinic in Bani Saad subdistrict for treatment.

Later in the evening, Baqubah Hospital’s emergency room was on high alert as patients suffering from chlorine-induced asphyxiation were brought in. The Diyala Health Department confirmed 20 cases of asphyxiation and poisoning linked to the gas leak.

In June, a chlorine gas leak at a water treatment plant in Fallujah’s Jubail neighborhood caused respiratory issues for 75 individuals.

Chlorine is commonly used in water treatment facilities to disinfect and purify water by eliminating harmful bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. However, mishandling or leaks, such as the one in Diyala, can lead to hazardous exposure, causing health risks like poisoning and asphyxiation when inhaled in large quantities.