At least eight workers have died due to suspected toxic gas poisoning at a ship-breaking yard in the Bhatiary area of Sitakunda, Chattogram. The tragic incident occurred on Friday (August 14, 2026) morning at a facility known as “Ferdous Steel.”
According to local reports and emergency service officials, the workers were engaged in dismantling a scrap vessel when the leak occurred at approximately 9:00 AM.
Local residents reported hearing frantic shouts from within the yard as the incident unfolded. By the time emergency responders arrived, several workers had already succumbed to the toxic fumes, while others were rushed to the Chattogram Medical College Hospital (CMCH). Doctors at CMCH confirmed that six workers were brought in dead, and the death toll subsequently rose to eight as more bodies were recovered from the site.
Fire Service officials, who were called to the scene, attributed the disaster to severe safety negligence. Taufiqul Islam, Assistant Director of the Fire Service in Chattogram, stated that the vessel being dismantled was an LNG-carrying ship. He emphasized that such vessels require a rigorous de-gassing process before they are cleared for cutting, as tanks may contain hazardous substances like carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, or fluorine.
“The factory authorities failed to de-gas the tanks properly before initiating the cutting process, and worker safety protocols at the site were alarmingly inadequate,” Islam added.
Following the discovery of the fatalities, local residents gathered at the site in protest, leading to some damage to factory property before police arrived to bring the situation under control. The intense odor of the gas was reportedly so strong that even fishermen in the nearby sea had to divert their boats away from the coast to avoid exposure.
The deceased have been identified, including Sani Jaldas (22), Palash Jaldas (27), and siblings Mansur Ali (40) and Nasir Uddin (38). Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, focusing on the lack of safety measures enforced by the ship-breaking yard management.
