Nine workers died after exposure to toxic hydrogen sulfide gas while cutting an abandoned ship at Ferdous Steel Ship Breaking Yard in Sitakunda, Chattogram. Officials from the Department of Explosives said the gas level was about 100 ppm at the time of the accident. A delegation led by the Industries Ministry secretary also confirmed toxic hydrogen sulfide in the vessel. The yard has been closed indefinitely following the incident.
Experts said hydrogen sulfide can form in oxygen-free enclosed areas of old ships and must be removed before cutting begins. Chittagong University chemistry professor Mohammad Nasir Uddin said high concentrations can halt normal breathing and that specialised masks might have reduced the harm. IPSA advocacy head Mohammad Ali Shahin said the deceased workers appeared to have worn uniforms but lacked essential protective equipment.
The Industries Ministry, district administration and BSBA have formed three separate committees to investigate. Industries Secretary Abdun Naser Khan ordered reports within seven days and said strict legal action would follow if negligence or safety failures are found. No case had been filed by Saturday evening; police said they would file one against the yard owner and others if relatives of the victims do not do so.
চট্টগ্রাম ব্যুরো ও সীতাকুণ্ড প্রতিনিধি প্রকাশ : ১৬ আগস্ট ২০২৬, ০৯: ৪৫ চট্টগ্রামের সীতাকুণ্ডে ফেরদৌস স্টিল শিপ ব্রেকিং ইয়ার্ডে দুর্ঘটনাকবলিত পরিত্যক্ত জাহাজটিতে বিষাক্ত হাইড্রোজেন সালফাইডের উপস্থিতি ছিল। দুর্ঘটনার সময় বিষাক্ত এই গ্যাসের মাত্রা ছিল ১০০
The ‘1 Nojor’ media platform is now live in beta, inviting users to explore and provide feedback as we continue to refine the experience.
