Nine workers die in toxic gas leak at Sitakunda shipbreaking yard despite pending safety lawsuit
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Nine workers died of toxic gas inhalation at the Ferdous Steel Ship Recycling Industries yard in Sitakunda, Chittagong, on Friday, just one month after the facility was sued by government inspectors for systemic safety violations.
The victims were identified as brothers Mohammad Mansur and Mohammad Nasir Uddin, Mohammad Abdul Alim, Mohammad Rana Mia, Habibur Rahman, Palash Jaldas, Sani Jaldas, Motiur Rahman, and Mohammad Khokon Mia.
The tragedy occurred aboard the MT Rasi, a 30,770-ton scrap vessel that previously transported liquefied natural gas (LNG). According to Assistant Explosives Inspector SM Sakhawat Hossain, hydrogen sulfide gas leaked from the ship’s ballast tank, where water is held for stability. The victims were overcome by the fumes while attempting to access a tank that had been cut open. Witnesses reported that the death toll mounted as workers and supervisors attempted to rescue their colleagues, only to be incapacitated by the gas themselves.
Labor Inspector Shahed Parvez of the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments (DIFE) confirmed that his office had filed a lawsuit against the yard’s owner, Ferdous Wahid, and manager, Mohammad Yusuf Ali, in July. An inspection conducted on February 9 had revealed significant safety deficiencies, including a failure to provide risk assessment reports, inadequate worker training, and the illegal practice of forcing employees to work excessive hours without overtime pay.
Despite multiple notices issued by DIFE, the management failed to address these safety concerns, leading to the ongoing legal proceedings. The revelation of the lawsuit has sparked public outcry, with critics questioning why the facility was permitted to continue operations despite documented hazards.
Industry Ministry Secretary Abdun Naser Khan announced that an investigation committee has been formed to determine the exact cause of the accident and identify lapses in safety protocols. The committee is expected to submit its findings within seven days.
Workers at the site alleged that emergency medical assistance was severely delayed. While the yard management claimed to have safety protocols in place, survivors stated that there were no oxygen cylinders or medical personnel available when the victims collapsed. Manager Mohammad Yusuf Ali denied claims of negligence, asserting that safety equipment was provided and that the company intends to pay compensation to the victims’ families.
Tapan Dutta, convener of the Shipbreaking Workers Trade Union Forum, has called for the immediate revocation of the facility’s license. He argued that the state’s responsibility extends beyond issuing notices and filing lawsuits, noting that the yard had recorded previous fatalities in 2017 and 2023. Dutta emphasized that the recurrence of fatal accidents at the site points to a systemic failure to enforce workplace safety regulations.
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