Investigators have been unable to enter the main accident site at Ferdous Steel Shipyard in Bhatiari, Sitakunda, Chattogram, after nine workers died while cutting a scrap ship on August 14. Toxic gas and hazardous chemicals inside the vessel’s enclosed compartment have made access unsafe. Upazila Nirbahi Officer Fakhrul Islam said no one would be allowed inside until conditions were fully safe.

The Ministry of Industries formed an eight-member investigation committee, but the expert team remains outside the ship because of the severe gas hazard. Representatives include specialists from BUET’s Chemical Engineering Department, Bangladesh Maritime University, the Department of Environment, the Department of Shipping, Fire Service and Civil Defence, the Explosives Department and the Marine Surveyors Association.

Investigators have not yet been able to determine the gas source, whether the ship was properly gas-freed before cutting, or where safety measures failed. Although direct inspection is not possible, officials are collecting surrounding information, documents and statements from relevant people. The deaths have also renewed questions about gas testing, enclosed-space entry rules, ventilation, protective equipment, trained workers and emergency rescue systems in the ship-recycling industry.