At least eight workers died after a toxic gas leak occurred on August 14, 2026, at the Ferdous Steel Shipbreaking Yard in Sitakunda, Chattogram, Bangladesh [1, 2, 3]. Five more workers remain missing according to police statements [1]. Several other workers were hospitalized after losing consciousness or being found unconscious at the site [1, 2, 3].
The incident happened while dismantling a vessel that had previously carried liquefied natural gas (LNG). The ship had not undergone proper degassing or cleaning before cutting started, allowing carbon monoxide trapped inside to leak out and cause fatalities and injuries [1, 3]. Fire official Md. Toufiqul Islam Bhuiyan explained, "The ship being dismantled... was meant for carrying LNG and had been lying unused for a long time. Therefore, carbon monoxide was trapped inside the ship" [3].
Among the deceased was a worker named Palash Jaladas [1]. The exact number of workers hospitalized is unclear, with some reports saying seven were taken to Chattogram Medical College Hospital, six of whom died [2], while others say at least four were hospitalized and more may have been rescued locally [3].
Senior police official Abdul Kuddus Chowdhury said, "A committee has been formed to investigate the incident, and the authorities have ordered an audit of the shipbreaking yard" [1]. Fire service official Towfiqul Islam Bhuiyan added, "The yard authorities did not follow the instructions. Workers who were exposed to the gas died, while those who were farther away survived" [1].
The shipbreaking industry in Bangladesh is one of the world's largest and is concentrated along the coast near Chattogram and Sitakunda. It has been criticized for poor safety and environmental standards, raising concerns about risks to workers [1, 2, 3].
Authorities continue searching for the missing workers and the investigation committee’s audit of the shipbreaking yard is ongoing [1].
