Sitakunda Shipyard Explosion: Death toll rises to 6

Chattogram, Sep 14 - The death toll from the Sitakunda shipyard explosion has risen to six after two more victims succumbed to their injuries early Saturday morning. 

The victims Jahangir Howladar (45) and Borkatullah (23) passed away at around 6 am in the ICU of the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery in Dhaka, confirmed Dr Tarikul Islam, a resident surgeon at the burn institute.

Jahangir had sustained burns on 70% of his body, while Borkatullah had 50% of his body burned.

Four others—Khairul Sheikh (21), Ahmed Ullah (38), Al Amin (23), and Habib (36)—had previously died due to the explosion, which left 12 workers severely injured. Several victims were initially treated at Chittagong Medical College Hospital, with eight later transferred to Dhaka for advanced treatment.

Tarikul further reported that Anwar Hossain, who sustained burns on 25% of his body, and Abul Kashem, with 70% burns, remain in critical condition.

The explosion occurred last Saturday in the pump room of a scrap ship at the SN Corporation ship-breaking yard, owned by Shawkat Ali Chowdhury. The victims were in cutting work at the time of the explosion, which caused widespread damage and multiple injuries. The cause of the explosion is still under investigation. - UNB