Death Toll Rises to Nine in Chittagong Shipbreaking Yard Gas Leak Incident
Photo Collected
The death toll from a toxic gas leak at a shipbreaking yard in Sitakunda, Chittagong, has risen to nine following the death of 19-year-old Motiur Rahman. The incident, which occurred at the Ferdous Steel Shipbreaking and Recycling factory in the Bhatiari union area on Friday morning, also left seven others hospitalized.
Chittagong Civil Surgeon Jahangir Alam confirmed the fatalities, noting that Motiur Rahman was declared dead upon arrival at a private hospital in the city. The other victims have been identified as Sani Jaldas, 23; Palash Jaldas, 35; Habibur Rahman, 51; Mohammad Mansur, 55; Nasir Uddin, 51; Abdul Alim, 36; Rana Mia, 23; and Khokon Mia, 23. Authorities noted that Mansur and Nasir were brothers, while Khokon and Rana hailed from Gaibandha and Abdul Alim from Pabna. The remaining victims were residents of the Bhatiari area.
The disaster reportedly unfolded around 9:00 a.m. when workers were cutting into a scrap vessel. Taufiqul Islam, Assistant Director of the Chittagong Fire Service, stated that the vessel was previously used to transport liquefied natural gas (LNG). He attributed the tragedy to negligence, explaining that the ship’s tanks contained hazardous gases such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and fluorine, which were not properly purged before the cutting process began. He further noted that the shipyard lacked adequate safety protocols for its laborers.
The incident sparked local outrage, as residents who rushed to the scene following reports of the leak discovered bodies inside the facility. Protesters entered the yard and vandalized the premises, prompting police intervention to restore order.
In response to the tragedy, the district administration has formed a nine-member investigative committee led by an Additional District Magistrate to determine the cause of the accident. Additionally, the Bangladesh Ship Breakers and Recyclers Association has established a separate panel to conduct an inquiry into the incident.
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