Toxic Gas Leak at Chattogram Shipbreaking Yard Leaves Nine Workers Dead
A tragic toxic gas leak at a shipbreaking yard in Chattogram's Sitakunda upazila has resulted in the deaths of nine workers. Authorities report that the incident highlights ongoing safety concerns within the hazardous industry.
On Friday, August 14, 2026, a tragic industrial accident occurred at the shipbreaking yard operated by Ferdous Steel Ship Recycling Industries, located in Bhatiari within Chattogram's Sitakunda upazila in Bangladesh. The disaster, involving suspected toxic gas exposure, resulted in the deaths of nine workers who were present at the facility.
According to details provided regarding the emergency, five of the workers died directly on the spot following the exposure. Four additional workers subsequently succumbed to their conditions after being rushed to the hospital for medical treatment.
In addition to the fatalities, between 10 and 12 individuals fell seriously ill or sustained injuries during the toxic gas leak event. This incident adds to a troubling safety record associated with the region's shipbreaking sector, which supports an estimated 25,000 to 40,000 full-time-equivalent jobs.
Official records from the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments (DIFE) indicate that the workers were cutting scrap inside an old liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier when the toxic gas leaked. DIFE had previously issued inspection notices to the facility on February 2, May 4, and June 8.
Following those earlier safety notices, the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments formally filed a case against Ferdous Steel before the Chattogram Labour Court on July 15, 2026. Oversight bodies like the Bangladesh Ship Recycling Board monitor the broader sector.
This latest tragedy highlights ongoing dangers in the industry, where over 150 people have died in shipbreaking accidents in Sitakunda since 2014, alongside more than 200 workers who have suffered injuries. With these recent fatalities, a total of 12 people have already lost their lives to this hazardous occupation during this year alone.
