9 Killed by Toxic Gas at Sitakunda Shipbreaking Yard in Chattogram,Investigation Underway Tk 1 Million Compensation Announced for Each Deceased Worker, Industries Secretary and Senior Official Inspect Accident Site

Md. Omar Faruk, special correspondent. Nine people have died after toxic gas or fumes leaked from a tank while an old vessel was being cut at Ferdous Steel Shipbreaking Yard in Bhatiary, Sitakunda, Chattogram. Several workers and local residents also fell ill or were injured in the incident. The injured are receiving treatment at Chattogram Medical College Hospital. The accident occurred on Friday morning at Ferdous Steel Shipbreaking Yard, owned by Md. Ferdous Wahid, located along the sea coast near Bhatiary Station Road. Among the deceased are Sani Jaldash (18), son of Pradip Jaldash of Shani Thakurpara; Palash Jaldash (35), son of Sidam Jaldash; Mansur Ali (45) and Nasir Uddin (42), sons of Sekander of Moulavipara in Bhatiary. Idris of Jamalpur, shift-in-charge Sujon, Habib and Rana were also reported to have died. According to local residents and workers, a worker was attempting to remove a plate from the tank of an old LPG carrier vessel when accumulated gas or toxic fumes inside the tank suddenly spread. Workers present at the site were affected within moments. Several people, including a journalist who rushed to help with the rescue operation, also became ill. Co-workers, local residents, Fire Service personnel and police later joined the rescue operation. The injured were quickly taken to Chattogram Medical College Hospital for treatment. It is initially suspected that the accident may have been caused by accumulated gas or toxic fumes inside the tank of the old vessel. However, the exact cause cannot be confirmed until the investigation is completed. Tension Over Closed Gate, Vandalism Reported Following the accident, local people gathered at the yard gate to assist with the rescue operation. It was alleged that the authorities kept the gate closed. Relatives of the victims claimed that more lives might have been saved if the gate had been opened quickly and the injured workers had been taken to hospital without delay. The situation created tension among local residents. At one point, several people reportedly climbed over the gate and entered the yard. Later, hundreds of people allegedly entered the premises and vandalised various structures and offices. It was also alleged that computers, chairs, tables and other equipment were damaged and looted. Reports also emerged that the mosque inside the shipbreaking yard was vandalised. Tk 1 Million Compensation Announced for Each Deceased Worker Sitakunda Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md. Fakhrul Islam said, “Police have so far confirmed the deaths of nine people in the incident. It is not possible to determine exactly how the accident occurred without an investigation.” Ferdous Wahid, Managing Director of Ferdous Steel Shipbreaking, said the accident occurred while a scrap vessel was being cut. However, he said he was not yet certain how the incident started. He added that an initiative had been taken to provide Tk 1 million in financial assistance to the family of each deceased worker, while compensation would be provided to the injured according to the applicable rules. Senior Officials Visit the Accident Site Following news of the accident, senior police officials, district administration officials, medical teams and an Army explosives expert team rushed to the scene. The high concentration of gas inside the vessel created risks for rescuers entering the area. Authorities were preparing to conduct rescue operations safely after assessing the situation. Meanwhile, on Saturday morning, the Industries Secretary, senior officials of the district administration and leaders of the Bangladesh Ship Breakers Association (BSBA) visited the accident-hit Ferdous Steel Shipbreaking Yard. They inspected the site and inquired about safety measures for workers. Local residents and workers have demanded a neutral investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident, identify those responsible and strengthen safety measures for workers across shipbreaking yards.