![[NICOLAS TUCAT / AFP]](/cdn-cgi/image/onerror=redirect,width=640,height=640,format=webp/https://storage.googleapis.com/uploads.mongoosehq.com/url/media/155584849/e2f843f57d42a7e233efaf94483728f99cc918ad78726a07405b63d97fd0cdc1)
Overview
- A hydrofluoric acid leak from a container aboard the MSC ship Mia Summer II was detected Tuesday evening at the Deurganck Dock and triggered on-site medical and evacuation operations.
- Authorities evacuated about 130–150 people and treated dozens for symptoms, with official counts varying between reports that cite 127 lightly injured and others that report 26 intoxicated and one patient in intensive care.
- Port of Antwerp set up a crisis cell, suspended maritime traffic near the Deurganck Dock and briefly closed nearby bridges as vapors were reported but their intensity had diminished by Wednesday morning.
- Specialized hazmat teams are preparing a lime-filled recovery barge to seal the container so it can be safely removed and the site secured before shipping resumes.
- Hydrofluoric acid is highly corrosive and its vapors can cause skin, eye and respiratory injury, making ongoing monitoring of air quality and a careful reconciliation of casualty figures urgent for local workers and nearby residents.