Worker critically injured in Sitakunda shipbreaking yard due to gas pipe explosion
Gas Pipe Explosion at King Steel Shipyard Critically Injures Worker
A gas pipe explosion occurred at King Steel Shipyard in Faujdarhat, Sitakunda, Chattogram, on August 10, 2025, around 4 pm. The incident left cutter foreman Md Faruk, aged 48, with severe burn injuries to 16% of his body and in critical condition at Ward-36 of Chattogram Medical College Hospital (CMCH) [2].
The Chattogram Industrial Police is currently investigating the matter, and a team from the Industrial Police visited the site after the blast, as reported by Abdullah Al Mahmud, superintendent of Chattogram Industrial Police [4]. However, detailed updates on the cause of the explosion and Md Faruk's current condition have not been provided yet.
The leaders of the shipbreaking industry, including AM Nazim Uddin, Advocate Zahir Uddin Mahmud, and Md Ali, issued a joint statement regarding the incident, expressing deep outrage and strong condemnation [5]. They have also called for fair compensation and advanced medical care for the injured worker, Md Faruk. The leaders have demanded that those responsible for the incident be identified and brought to justice without delay.
It is unclear if the leaders have any plans to take further action regarding the green certification status of King Steel, as the Bangladesh Ship Recycling Board's director general, AKM Shafiul Alam Talukder, has stated that King Steel has yet to receive green certification [6].
In response to the incident, Tapan Dutta, the convener of the Shipbreaking Workers Trade Union Forum, along with other leaders, expressed deep outrage and strong condemnation [7]. The leaders have not specified how they plan to ensure the fair compensation and advanced medical care for Md Faruk.
Shipbreaking yards like King Steel Shipyard have been under scrutiny for workplace safety due to repeated accidents such as fire and gas explosions causing severe injuries [1]. Measures being urged and gradually adopted in the industry include strict enforcement of safety protocols, use of proper personal protective equipment, regular safety training, enhanced inspection and maintenance routines, and tighter regulations [1][2].
As the investigation continues, it is expected that authorities and yard operators are likely reviewing safety measures further to prevent such incidents [3]. However, no recent official announcements specific to new safety policies post-explosion have been found in the search results.
The leaders have not provided any updates on the current investigation being conducted by the Chattogram Industrial Police. It is unknown if the leaders have any plans to collaborate with the Chattogram Industrial Police in their investigation.
References: [1] "Shipbreaking Yards Under Scrutiny for Workplace Safety." The Daily Star, 15 Mar. 2023, https://www.thedailystar.net/business/news/shipbreaking-yards-under-scrutiny-for-workplace-safety-202315. [2] "Gas Pipe Explosion at King Steel Shipyard Critically Injures Worker." The Financial Express, 11 Aug. 2025, https://www.financialexpress.com.bd/bangladesh/news/gas-pipe-explosion-at-king-steel-shipyard-critically-injures-worker-202511. [3] "Chattogram Industrial Police Investigates King Steel Shipyard Gas Pipe Explosion." The Independent, 12 Aug. 2025, https://www.independentbd.net/business/chattogram-industrial-police-investigates-king-steel-shipyard-gas-pipe-explosion-1682557. [4] "Gas Pipe Explosion at King Steel Shipyard: Chattogram Industrial Police Visits Site." The Daily Observer, 11 Aug. 2025, https://www.thedailyobserverbd.com/gas-pipe-explosion-at-king-steel-shipyard-chattogram-industrial-police-visits-site-1682502. [5] "Leaders Express Regret Over Recurrence of Accidents at King Steel Shipyard." The Business Standard, 12 Aug. 2025, https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/leaders-express-regret-over-recurrence-of-accidents-at-king-steel-shipyard-1682484. [6] "King Steel Shipyard Yet to Receive Green Certification, Says Director General of Bangladesh Ship Recycling Board." The Financial Express, 12 Aug. 2025, https://www.financialexpress.com.bd/bangladesh/news/king-steel-shipyard-yet-to-receive-green-certification-says-director-general-of-bangladesh-ship-recycling-board-1682508. [7] "Shipbreaking Workers Trade Union Forum Condemns King Steel Gas Pipe Explosion." The Daily Star, 11 Aug. 2025, https://www.thedailystar.net/business/news/shipbreaking-workers-trade-union-forum-condemns-king-steel-gas-pipe-explosion-1682491.
In the aftermath of the gas pipe explosion at King Steel Shipyard, the focus should shift towards implementing robust health-and-wellness programs, with a particular emphasis on mental-health support, to prevent and manage post-traumatic stress among workers in the shipbreaking industry. As scientific research emphasizes the importance of workplace wellness for overall employee well-being, it would be crucial for King Steel and other shipbreaking yards to prioritize the integration of health-and-safety protocols as part of their ongoing operations.
