Sitakunda shipyard tragedy: One more worker dies, death toll rises to 10

The death toll from last week's toxic gas leak at a shipbreaking yard in Sitakunda, Chattogram, has risen to 10 after another worker died while undergoing treatment.

Idris Ali, 50, died at a private hospital in Chattogram on Thursday (August 20), six days after he was among workers exposed to toxic gas at the Ferdous Steel Ship Recycling Yard in Bhatiary on August 14.

His death was confirmed by Sitakunda Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Fakhrul Islam.

Idris, who was from Jamalpur, had been receiving treatment after falling ill in the accident. Six workers were initially taken to different hospitals, including Idris, following the incident.

The accident occurred while workers were cutting a tank inside an old vessel at the yard. Hydrogen sulfide gas accumulated inside the tank is believed to have caused the poisoning. Three workers died at the scene, while six others later succumbed to their injuries in hospitals.

Doctors said the toxic gas caused severe damage to the victims' lungs and respiratory tracts.

Police have filed an unnatural death case over the incident. However, no case has so far been filed over allegations of inadequate safety measures or negligence by the yard authorities. The bodies of eight of the nine workers who died before Idris were also reportedly not subjected to autopsies.

Several investigation committees, including one formed by the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments, are examining the cause of the accident.

Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Ship Recycling Board has ordered all operations at Ferdous Steel Ship Recycling Yard to remain suspended until further notice.