Gas leak at Bangladesh shipbreaking yard kills 8

A toxic gas leak at a shipbreaking yard in Chittagong, Bangladesh, resulted in the tragic deaths of eight workers on Friday, with five others reported missing, according to police. Witnesses claim they heard cries emanating from the southeastern port city before some of the victims were rushed to a hospital.

Senior police official Abdul Kuddus Chowdhury confirmed the deaths and stated that an investigation committee has been established. Authorities have also ordered an audit of the shipbreaking yard, he told AFP. The Ferdous Steel Shipbreaking Yard and Recycling Factory, which acquired the vessel previously used for liquefied natural gas transport, was previously certified as a green and compliant facility.

However, fire service official Towfiqul Islam Bhuiyan revealed that safety protocols were reportedly disregarded, as the vessel should have been devoid of gas before the cutting process commenced. Bhuiyan explained that the yard authorities failed to adhere to the instructions, leading to the exposure of several workers to the gas. As a result, those who were in proximity to the vessel perished, while others fared better and survived.

The Ferdous yard has remained silent on the matter. Bhuiyan added that firefighters recovered three bodies from the scene and discovered several other workers unconscious, who were subsequently transported to the hospital. Bangladesh is home to one of the world's largest shipbreaking hubs, encompassing a 25-kilometre (15-mile) stretch of the Chittagong coast on the Bay of Bengal.

The sector employs thousands of workers and has faced ongoing scrutiny from labor and environmental organizations due to safety concerns and working conditions.

Among the victims was Palash Jaladas, whose wife, Bhoumika Jaladas, who was reportedly eight months pregnant, was seen inconsolable by reporters.