At least nine workers were killed and five others injured in a gas accident at Ferdous Steel Shipbreaking Yard in Bhatiary, Chattogram, on Friday, highlighting once again the deadly risks faced by workers in the country’s ship-recycling industry.
The accident occurred around 9:30am when workers were cutting a pipe beneath an LNG tanker being dismantled at the yard, according to the Fire Service.
Abdullah Al Mamun, an officer at Kumira Fire Station, said gas leaked during the cutting operation, triggering the fatal incident.
“Local residents initially rescued three people and took them to hospital. Later, three more bodies were recovered from the site, along with four to five injured workers,” he said.
The death toll rose to nine after all the victims were brought dead to Chittagong Medical College Hospital (CMCH).
Chattogram Deputy Commissioner, Mohammad Zahidul Islam Mia, said nine people had died in the gas accident in Sitakunda. Eight of the victims died at CMCH, while another died at a private hospital.
Following the incident, the district administration formed a nine-member investigation committee and directed it to submit its report within seven days. The District Magistrate will head the committee.
Brigadier General Mohammed Taslim Uddin, director of CMCH, confirmed that eight bodies had been brought to the hospital. “One injured worker is currently undergoing treatment,” he said.
Seven of the deceased have so far been identified as Sani Jaldash, 22, Palash Jaldash, 27, Habibur Rahman, 50, Monsur Ali, 40, Nasir Uddin, 38, Md Khokon, 40, and Md Rana, 27, from Gaibandha. The identity of the eighth victim could not be confirmed immediately.
Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury visited CMCH on Friday afternoon to see the injured workers and meet the families of the deceased.
Speaking to reporters, he said, “Government agencies are working to ensure that no further lives are lost in this gas accident. An investigation will be conducted, and action will be taken if anyone is found responsible for negligence.”
Bangladesh Ship Breakers and Recyclers Association (BSBRA) has formed a five-member investigation committee to determine the cause of the accident and assess whether proper safety measures were followed.
BSBRA President Mohammad Mohsin said the incident was particularly concerning as Ferdous Steel is a green shipyard.
“Such a major accident at a green shipyard is a matter of serious concern,” he said.
He also announced that Tk10 lakh would be provided as compensation to the family of each deceased worker, alongside the investigation into the accident.
Ferdous Wahid, managing director of Ferdous Steel Shipbreaking Yard, told TIMES of Bangladesh that gas leaked during the operation and that officials and workers of the yard immediately joined the rescue efforts.
He said the company was taking steps to ensure proper medical treatment for the injured and provide necessary support to the families of the victims.
