Toxic Gas Leak Kills Up to Nine at Bangladesh Shipbreaking Yard
Xinhua · 2 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
A toxic gas leak occurred at the Ferdaus Steel Shipbreaking Yard in Sitakunda, a subdistrict of southeastern Bangladesh's Chattogram port city, on Friday morning around 9:00 AM local time, killing up to nine workers who were engaged in cleaning and maintenance work aboard a vessel being dismantled . Multiple workers lost consciousness immediately after the leak and were rushed to Chattogram Medical College Hospital, where six of seven admitted patients were declared dead upon arrival, while two additional bodies were later recovered from the yard . A ninth victim died later at a private hospital in Chattogram, according to officials . The Bangladeshi government has formed an investigation committee and suspended operations at the shipbreaking yard pending further notice .
Key Points
- The incident occurred at the Ferdaus Steel Shipbreaking Yard in Sitakunda, Chattogram, at approximately 9:00 AM local time on Friday
- Workers were performing cleaning and maintenance duties inside a vessel when toxic gas leaked from a tank
- Nine workers were killed: six died at the scene and upon hospital arrival, two more bodies were found later at the yard, and one died later at a private hospital
- Angry residents vandalized the factory premises after rumours spread that many bodies remained inside, prompting police intervention
- Bangladesh Ship Breakers and Recyclers Association president Mohammed Mohsin Chowdhury arranged helicopter evacuation for at least two critically injured workers to Dhaka
Why It Matters
The incident highlights ongoing safety failures at Bangladesh's Sitakunda beaches, which have emerged as one of the world's largest ship-breaking hubs, where vessels are often dismantled on open tidal mudflats without proper safety or environmental controls . International critics have long condemned the unsafe and environmentally damaging practices at these facilities, where workers face exposure to toxic gases, heavy metals, and falling steel, resulting in high rates of injury and death .
The incident highlights ongoing safety failures at Bangladesh's Sitakunda beaches, which have emerged as one of the world's largest ship-breaking hubs, where vessels are often dismantled on open tidal mudflats without proper safety or environmental controls . International critics have long condemned the unsafe and environmentally damaging practices at these facilities, where workers face exposure to toxic gases, heavy metals, and falling steel, resulting in high rates of injury and death .