Panama City, FL – 11 Workers Hospitalized After Chemical Exposure at Port Panama City

Panama City, FL (January 8, 2026) – Multiple workers were taken to the hospital Thursday morning, January 8, after a chemical exposure incident at Port Panama City. The incident happened at the Panama City Port Authority’s East Terminal while crews worked aboard a cargo vessel.

The exposure occurred during routine operations involving the vessel Lowlands Luck. Crews had finished unloading bagged cement cargo and began cleaning activities inside one of the ship’s cargo holds.

The Panama City Fire Department reported that crew members used muriatic acid, also known as hydrochloric acid, during the cleaning process. The acid reacted with leftover concrete residue from the cement bags that had been unloaded earlier. According to authorities, this chemical reaction created lingering fumes that remained in the air.

Foggy conditions at the port allowed the fumes to stay concentrated in the area. As a result, crew members working nearby began to feel sick and reported symptoms linked to the airborne chemical reaction.

Workers from SSA Marine who were operating in an adjacent cargo hold started to experience similar symptoms. Emergency units responded to the scene and assisted affected workers. Officials confirmed that all personnel were accounted for and that the situation was brought under control.

A total of 11 people were taken to local hospitals for evaluation and treatment. Health officials later confirmed that seven individuals were treated at HCA Florida Gulf Coast Hospital and were reported to be in good condition. One person remained in critical but stable condition at the time of the update.

Authorities continue to review the incident to determine how the chemical interaction occurred and what safety measures may need adjustment.

Our thoughts remain with all workers affected as they continue to receive care and recover.

Workplace Accidents at Industrial Job Sites in Panama City

Workplace chemical exposures can happen quickly, especially in industrial environments like ports, terminals, and shipping facilities. Jobs at locations such as Port Panama City often involve heavy materials, cleaning agents, and enclosed spaces, which can increase the risk of airborne reactions when chemicals interact. Even routine tasks can become dangerous when conditions change.

Chemical exposure injuries may not always appear immediately. Workers might notice breathing trouble, dizziness, nausea, or irritation hours after exposure. Medical evaluations help identify the extent of exposure and guide treatment. Early care also creates documentation that explains how symptoms began and progressed.

Workplace accidents often raise questions about compensation and benefits. Employees injured on the job may be eligible for workers’ compensation, which can help cover medical treatment and a portion of lost wages.

In some cases, additional claims may apply if outside parties, contractors, or unsafe procedures played a role. Each case depends on the facts and the worker’s role at the site.

A Panama City workplace injury lawyer can help explain how workers’ compensation works and whether other options may be available. Legal guidance can clarify how medical records, incident reports, and employer documentation fit together.

This support helps workers understand timelines, benefits, and required steps without making assumptions about outcomes.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a workplace accident in Panama City, qualified legal guidance can help you. At Syfrett, Dykes & Furr, our team works with injury victims hurt in workplace accidents across Northwest Florida.

Our team of lawyers can explain what types of compensation may be available and how workers’ compensation or other claims may apply. If you have questions, contact Syfrett, Dykes & Furr at (850) 795-4979 to arrange a free consultation.

Note: This post was written for informational purposes only. This post is based on information from secondary sources, and our team has not independently verified the accident details. If you identify any inaccuracies, please contact Syfrett, Dykes & Furr so we can update the post with accurate information. We will also remove the post upon request.

Disclaimer: This post is not intended to solicit business. The information provided should not be interpreted as medical or legal advice. The photo included in this post does not depict the actual accident scene.