CHITTAGONG, Bangladesh: A tragic incident at a shipbreaking yard in Chittagong resulted in the deaths of at least eight workers due to a toxic gas leak on Friday. Five other workers are still missing as emergency teams continue their search.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing screams coming from the yard, prompting fellow workers to rush the injured to nearby hospitals. According to police official Abdul Kuddus Chowdhury, the search for the missing individuals is ongoing, and a formal investigation has been launched into the incident.
“The authorities have decided to audit the shipbreaking yard to ensure compliance with safety regulations,” Chowdhury stated.
The Ferdous Steel Shipbreaking Yard and Recycling Factory, which was working on a vessel that previously transported liquefied natural gas, was considered a “green” facility, meaning it was thought to follow environmental and safety standards. However, fire service official Towfiqul Islam Bhuiyan emphasized that safety protocols were apparently ignored, as the ship should have been cleared of any gas before workers began dismantling it.
“Unfortunately, the yard management did not adhere to safety protocols. Those closest to the gas were the ones who suffered the most,” Bhuiyan explained.
As of now, Ferdous Steel has not released any statements regarding the tragic event. Meanwhile, firefighters at the scene found three bodies and several workers unconscious, who were subsequently taken to medical facilities for treatment.
The shipbreaking industry in Bangladesh is a significant sector along the Chittagong coast, spanning about 25 kilometers. It is one of the largest shipbreaking hubs globally, employing tens of thousands of workers. However, it has faced extensive criticism from labor and environmental organizations over its safety measures and working conditions.
Among those who lost their lives was Palash Jaladas. His wife, Bhoumika Jaladas, who is eight months pregnant, was left heartbroken. “What will I do now?” she lamented to reporters, expressing her grief and uncertainty.
