Three Dead and 10 Injured in Toxic Gas Leak at Sitakunda Shipyard

Three workers were killed and 10 others injured following a toxic gas leak at a shipbreaking yard in Chattogram's Sitakunda upazila on Friday morning.

The fatal incident occurred at the Ferdous Steel Ship Recycling Industries in the Bhatiari area. The injured workers were promptly rescued and admitted to Chattogram Medical College Hospital (CMCH) for emergency treatment.

While initial local rumours suggested a blast had occurred, Chattogram Superintendent of Police (SP) Mahmuda Begum clarified to reporters that the casualties were strictly the result of a toxic gas leak. Ferdous Wahid, Managing Director of the shipyard, confirmed that the three victims died on the spot.

According to preliminary reports, the workers were performing housekeeping duties on a scrap ship when they noticed gas emitting from a tank. As they approached to inspect it, the fumes caused several of them to lose consciousness. Co-workers swiftly launched a rescue effort and rushed them to the hospital.

Mohammad Mahbubul Hasan, Deputy Inspector General of the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments (DIFE), confirmed the fatalities were due to toxic gas inhalation.

"We are investigating the exact cause of the gas emission and thoroughly examining whether the yard authorities had ensured adequate workplace safety measures for the workers" Hasan stated.