Russian state news agency TASS said the incident
occurred at around 02:20 local time on Friday when an on-site container
sustained damage after being struck by nearby construction equipment. The resulting damage caused ethyl acrylate,
a colourless liquid chemical with a strong odour, to leak from the container.
Port authorities then ordered the evacuation of on-site personnel and the
deployment of CBRN safety teams to the area. The CBRN personnel reported that there
were no dangerous concentrations of the chemical. However, 35 people were
nonetheless affected by the odour and have since been brought to hospital. The affected personnel are reported to be in good health but will remain
under observation.
A safety zone is being enforced in the area of the port where the leak
occurred while the damaged container has been transported to an isolated
protected area. Authorities have
launched an investigation into the incident.