Toxic Leak on Cargo Ship in Waaslandhaven Leaves 1 in ICU, 28 Workers Sick
A container carrying highly toxic hydrogen fluoride developed a leak aboard the cargo ship MSC Mia Summer II at the Deurganckdok in the Waaslandhaven port area on Tuesday evening, leaving one person in intensive care and 28 workers hospitalized. Emergency services activated the municipal emergency plan and a medical intervention plan to handle the mass casualty incident, with a total of 155 people undergoing medical examinations, according to VRT NWS.
The Incident
The leak was detected on the evening of Tuesday, 14 July 2026, at the MPET terminal (MSC PSA European Terminal) in the Deurganckdok, near the town of Doel. According to Mayor Marc Van de Vijver of Beveren-Kruibeke-Zwijndrecht, the leak was caused by a ‘twistlock’ — the rotating lock used to secure containers — striking the container during loading operations, creating a hole approximately 10 by 10 centimeters (4 by 4 inches).
“Hydrogen fluoride is a toxic product,” Van de Vijver told VRT NWS. “Through a hole of about 10 by 10 centimeters in the container, the substance was released and completely evaporated.”
Emergency Response
A large-scale emergency response was mobilized, with 21 ambulances and 7 rapid intervention vehicles deployed by Red Cross Flanders. The municipal phase of the emergency plan and the Medical Intervention Plan (MIP) were both activated. A total of 155 people — primarily port workers and crew members, most of whom are from the Philippines — were transported to nearby hospitals for medical examinations.
Of those examined, 28 workers displayed more serious symptoms and remain under observation in hospital. One person is being treated in intensive care. Most of the 155 people examined have since been discharged after treatment.
The Port of Antwerp-Bruges confirmed in an official crisis update that the evaporation of hydrofluoric acid has decreased significantly since Tuesday evening. Specialist teams are now preparing to bring a drip tray filled with lime on board, seal the container, and safely remove it from the vessel.
Safety Measures
A wide safety perimeter has been established around the Deurganckdok. The bridges over the Kieldrecht Lock have been closed, shipping traffic in the affected area has been temporarily suspended, and the area around Quay 1742 has been cordoned off. Authorities have confirmed that no elevated concentrations of the chemical have been detected outside the Waaslandhaven area, and there is no danger to nearby residents.
“We are gradually returning to a normal situation,” Mayor Van de Vijver said.
Hydrogen Fluoride: A Hazardous Chemical
Hydrogen fluoride (HF) is a colorless, highly corrosive gas that forms hydrofluoric acid when dissolved in water. It is widely used in the chemical industry for the production of refrigerants, plastics, batteries, and electronic components. The Port of Antwerp-Bruges, described as the largest integrated chemical cluster in Europe, handles containers with such substances frequently.
Health risks from exposure include severe burns upon contact with skin or eyes, and damage to airways and lungs if inhaled. Symptoms can be delayed for hours and may continue to develop for up to 36 hours after exposure, which is why extensive medical observation was conducted.
Impact on Port Operations
The incident has caused significant disruption to one of Europe’s busiest ports. Lennart Verstappen, spokesperson for the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, noted that employees of companies near the Deurganckdok are currently not permitted to work outdoors. Continuous air quality measurements are being conducted to determine when the safety zone can be reduced.
“The port of Antwerp is the largest chemical cluster in Europe, so containers with toxic substances are something our port is confronted with very frequently,” Verstappen told VRT NWS. “But incidents like these fortunately do not happen often. The strictest safety measures are closely monitored here. How this incident could happen will have to be determined by further investigation.”
Shipping traffic in the affected area remains suspended while container removal operations continue.
Investigation and Forward Look
An investigation into the exact circumstances of the incident is expected to follow. Key questions include how the twistlock mechanism struck the container during loading and whether any procedural or equipment failures contributed to the leak. The incident may prompt broader safety reviews across Europe’s chemical logistics chain, given the Port of Antwerp-Bruges’ central role in the continent’s chemical industry.
As The Brussels Times reported, authorities are also assessing whether the released substance caused any damage to the ship or its cargo before the container can be safely removed. The safety perimeter will remain in place until further measurements confirm there is no longer any risk.
The condition of the person in intensive care remains a focus of concern as the clean-up operation continues through Wednesday.