Full Breakdown
Toxic Gas Leak Claims Eight Lives at Bangladesh Shipbreaking Yard
8/15/2026, 12:49:49 AM
Incident Overview
On Friday, August 14, 2026, a suspected toxic gas leak occurred while workers were cutting pipes inside a decommissioned LNG tanker at the Ferdous Steel Shipbreaking Yard in Sitakunda, Chattogram. Police inspector Mohammed Alamgir said the death count rose from six to eight after two workers died at Chattogram Medical College Hospital. Four workers were hospitalized and several others were reported missing. Fire service officials noted a strong chemical odor that dissipated after seawater flooded the ship’s lower compartments.
Background & Context
Bangladesh’s shipbreaking sector stretches along a 25-kilometre coastline near Chattogram and accounts for roughly 36 % of global ship scrapping. The industry comprises about 150 registered yards, generates an estimated annual turnover of $2.46 billion, and supplies more than half of the nation’s scrap steel. Tens of thousands of workers are employed, but the sector has long faced scrutiny over safety standards and hazardous waste handling.
Data & Statistics
- Fatalities: eight workers confirmed dead.
- Injured: four workers hospitalized; additional workers reported ill or missing.
- Identified victims: Sanijol Das, Palashjol Das, Habibur Rahman, and brothers Mansur Ali and Nasir Uddin.
- Historical safety record (Bangladesh Institute of Labour Studies): 137 deaths and 239 injuries in Sitakunda shipyards between 2015 and mid-2026.
Official Statements & Responses
Senior police official Abdul Kuddus Chowdhury confirmed the eight deaths and said a committee had been formed to investigate and an audit ordered.
Fire service official Towfiqul Islam Bhuiyan said the vessel should have been cleared of gas before dismantling and alleged safety procedures were ignored, leading to carbon monoxide or similar by-products being released.
Senior government factory inspection official Mahbubul Hasan indicated the deaths were due to toxic gas emissions and that the cause and adequacy of safety measures were under investigation.
Deputy Director of the Fire Service Touhidul Islam Bhuiyan described the rescue operation, noting emergency units arrived at 10:50 AM, recovered three bodies on-site, and transported injured workers to BSBA Hospital before they were moved to CMCH.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Initial reports varied on the death toll, with some outlets citing seven fatalities and others five before the count rose to eight. The number of missing workers also differed across sources. Details about the exact composition of the leaked gas remain unconfirmed; officials have suggested carbon monoxide but have not released a definitive analysis.
Verbatim Quotes
- “A committee has been formed to investigate the incident, and the authorities have ordered an audit of the shipbreaking yard,” — Abdul Kuddus Chowdhury
- “The ship being dismantled at the shipbreaking yard was meant for carrying LNG and had been lying unused for a long time. Therefore, carbon monoxide was trapped inside the ship,” — Towfiqul Islam Bhuiyan
What’s Next
The investigation committee will determine the cause of the leak and assess compliance with safety regulations. An audit of the Ferdous Steel facility has been ordered, and authorities have pledged to review de-gassing procedures for vessels slated for dismantling.
