A chemical leak at the port of Mersin in southern Türkiye has left 35 people affected.

The incident occurred at around 2:20 a.m. (GMT+3) in the international section of the port. The leak involved ethyl acrylate, a chemical known for its strong, pungent odor, according to TASS.

According to the preliminary investigation, construction equipment overturned onto a container, causing damage and triggering the release of the substance. The resulting strong smell prompted the evacuation and safety measures in the affected area.

Specialized chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear safety teams conducted measurements but found no dangerous concentrations of the substance. As a precaution, police officers established a safety zone and moved the damaged container to a secure pool in an isolated area.

Some 35 people affected by the strong odor are in good health and remain under medical observation. An investigation into the incident is underway.

Ethyl acrylate is a colorless liquid with a sharp odor and is widely used as a raw material in the production of polymers.