Aqaba silos explosion case referred to anti-corruption commission

AMMAN — The case of the recent silos explosion in Aqaba has been referred to the Jordan Integrity and Anti-Corruption Commission, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported on Monday.

The explosion, which took place on May 14, has left six dead and four injured, as several contracting companies were demolishing construction sites at the premises.

Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) has issued a statement stating that the cause of the explosion was due to “a spark from iron wielding or another electric source”, adding that ASEZA closed down the premises to allow rescue teams and investigators quick and easy access to the area.

In previous remarks to The Jordan Times, ASEZA Chief Commissioner Nasser Shraideh said the prosecutor tasked with investigating the incident charged a contracting and sub-contracting company that were tasked with demolishing the old port with causing the death and harm of individuals.

“The investigations indicated that these two companies failed to adopt the required safety measure in accordance with their contracts,” Shraideh said.