Five workers die after toxic gas leak at Sitakunda shipyard

At least five workers were killed and several others injured after toxic gas reportedly leaked from a tank aboard a vessel at a shipbreaking yard in Sitakunda of Chattogram.

The incident occurred at Ferdous Steel Ship Breaking Yard while workers were carrying out housekeeping work inside a vessel on Friday morning (August 14).

According to officials, workers noticed gas leaking from a tank and moved towards the area. Several of them subsequently collapsed and were rushed to hospital.

Nurul Alam Ashek, in-charge of the police outpost at Chattogram Medical College Hospital, said six workers were taken to the hospital from the shipyard. Doctors declared five of them dead, while another worker remains under treatment.

The Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments (DIFE) said it had received information that 10 workers were injured in the gas leak. Deputy Inspector General Mohammad Mahbubul Hasan said the exact circumstances of the incident were not immediately clear.

He said an inspection would be carried out to determine the cause of the gas leak and whether adequate safety measures were in place at the shipyard.

Fire Service personnel were conducting rescue operations at the site. Al Mamun, station officer of Sitakunda Fire Service, said rescuers were working inside the shipyard but could not immediately provide further details.

Police were also heading to the site to assess the situation and assist with the investigation.