Workers' deaths at shipyard spark mob violence, army deployed

At least nine people have died after inhaling toxic gas at a shipyard in Sitakunda, Chattogram. The deceased and injured include both shipyard workers and local residents. Following the incident, an angry mob entered the yard and carried out acts of vandalism. The army was later deployed to bring the situation under control.

The incident occurred around 9am on Friday at the Ferdous Steel Ship Recycling Industries yard in the Station Road area of Bhatiari Union in the upazila. Preliminary reports suggest that toxic gas leaked from the tank of an old LNG vessel at the yard, causing the casualties.

According to the Fire Service and Chattogram Medical College (CMC) Hospital, at least nine people have died so far. The injured and affected are receiving treatment at various hospitals.

However, there were conflicting accounts from two officials of the yard regarding the cause of the accident. Yard Manager Mohammad Yusuf said gas had spread from a tank leak. Managing Director Ferdous Wahid, however, claimed an explosion occurred during the cutting of the vessel.

Locals said the toxic gas smell was so strong that fishermen returning from sea could not enter the canal adjacent to the yard. They had to dock their boats about half a kilometre away to avoid the intense odour.

Meanwhile, anger grew among locals as news spread that bodies of relatives and neighbours were lying inside the yard. At one point, an angry mob entered the yard and carried out widespread vandalism.

Police arrived at the scene and brought the situation under control. The army was later deployed to maintain law and order.

Sitakunda Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md Mohinul Islam said the situation is currently under control. Police and army personnel are present at the scene. Necessary measures have been taken to maintain law and order.