Investigators cannot enter the main site of a shipyard incident in Sitakunda because of a severe toxic-gas risk inside the vessel, according to a report published on August 17. The hazardous gas must be safely removed before an on-site investigation can begin. As a result, key questions remain unresolved, including the source of the gas, whether the vessel was properly gas-freed before cutting, and where safety measures may have failed.

The ship-recycling branch of the Ministry of Industries has formed an eight-member high-level expert team to address the situation. The team includes representatives from BUET's Chemical Engineering Department, Bangladesh Maritime University, the Department of Environment, the Department of Shipping, Fire Service and Civil Defence, the Department of Explosives, and the Marine Surveyors Association.

Sitakunda Upazila Nirbahi Officer Fakhrul Islam said a five-member observation team initially began work, but an expert team was later formed because of dangerous chemicals and toxic gas in the vessel's enclosed compartments. No one will be allowed inside until conditions are fully safe. Meanwhile, investigators are collecting surrounding information, documents and statements from relevant people.