Five people were killed and more than 10 workers were injured in a gas explosion at Ferdous Steel Shipyard in Bhatiari, Sitakunda, Chattogram. The accident occurred on Friday morning while an old ship was being cut, according to Sitakunda Upazila Nirbahi Officer Fakhrul Islam. The injured were rescued and sent to Chattogram Medical College Hospital, where several were reported to be in critical condition.

Local sources and eyewitnesses said a loud explosion occurred during the cutting work, followed by a fire that burned and injured several workers. Co-workers, local residents, the fire service and police joined the rescue operation. Shipyard owner Ferdous Wahid said the blast happened suddenly during cutting, while its exact cause could not immediately be confirmed.

Authorities are initially considering whether flammable gas or vapour accumulated inside the old vessel caused the explosion. The investigation is expected to examine whether the ship was properly gas-freed, whether tanks and pipelines were inspected, and whether safety measures were in place. Stakeholders called for a final casualty list, treatment for the injured, compensation for victims' families, and a swift impartial investigation.