Gas explosion and toxic gas incident at Ferdous Steel Ship Recycling Industries, Sitakunda; 10 dead, 15 injured, 18 missing
On August 13-23, 2026, a catastrophic industrial accident occurred at Ferdous Steel Ship Recycling Industries in Bhatiary, Sitakunda, during the dismantling of the scrap vessel 'MT Rasi'. The incident involved a toxic gas leak (Hydrogen Sulfide and Carbon Monoxide) inside a ballast tank, resulting in 10 confirmed deaths, 15 injuries, and 18 missing workers. Investigations by BUET and the Ministry of Industries revealed severe negligence by the shipyard authorities, failure to implement safety protocols, and unauthorized certification by the Department of Explosives. Authorities have indefinitely suspended operations due to safety violations and expired environmental clearance. The district administration provided 1 crore BDT compensation to the victim families.
Affected scope
1 Record| Scope | Source wording |
|---|---|
| district | সীতাকুণ্ড, চট্টগ্রাম |
district
সীতাকুণ্ড, চট্টগ্রামInvolved entities
2 RecordsMT Rasi (LNG Transport Tanker)
Ferdous Steel Ship Recycling Industries
Named victims
11 Records| Name/Occupation | Age/Gender | Status | Injury description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Habibur Rahman | 51 | Dead | — |
| Idris Ali | 50 · Male | Dead | — |
| Mohammad Abdul Alim | 36 · Male | Dead | — |
| Mohammad Khokon Mia | 23 · Male | Dead | — |
| Mohammad Mansur Ali | 55 · Male | Dead | — |
| Mohammad Nasir Uddin | 51 · Male | Dead | — |
| Mohammad Rana Mia | 23 · Male | Dead | — |
| Motiur Rahman | 19 | Dead | — |
| Palash Jaldas | 35 · Male | Dead | — |
| Sani Jaldas | 23 · Male | Dead | — |
| Dipu Dash | 32 · Male | Injured | — |
Habibur Rahman
Idris Ali
Mohammad Abdul Alim
Mohammad Khokon Mia
Mohammad Mansur Ali
Mohammad Nasir Uddin
Mohammad Rana Mia
Motiur Rahman
Palash Jaldas
Sani Jaldas
Dipu Dash
Agencies deployed
Bangladesh Army
National military force for land-based operations and disaster response
Deployed for rescue operations.
Fire Service and Civil Defence
First responder for fire, rescue, and medical emergencies
Kumira Fire Service conducted rescue operations.
NGO
Non-governmental organizations working in humanitarian aid
Issued legal notice to 12 parties regarding negligence.
Other
Other response agencies
Department of Environment fined the company 5 lakh BDT and instructed operational suspension for toxic gas testing.
Bangladesh Police
Law enforcement agency maintaining public order and security
Police brought the situation under control; filed investigation and UD case.
Local Administration
District or Upazila level government authorities
Bangladesh Ship Recycling Board (BSRB) suspended operations and initiated an 8-member committee investigation. Fine of 5 lakh BDT imposed. Distributed 1 crore BDT compensation.
Relief amount (BDT): ৳10,500,000 BDT