12 workers burnt in Chattogram shipyard explosion

The explosion occurred while workers were cutting a scrap ship at its final stages

Chattogram, Sept 07 -Twelve workers suffered burn injuries in an explosion at a shipyard in Sitakunda upazila of Chattogram, on Saturday.

The injured have been identified as Ahmed Ullah, Mohammad Al-Amin, Mohammad Barkat, Habil Ahmed, Mohammad Niamul Haque, Anwar Hossain, Abul Kashem, Mohammad Jahangir, Mohammad Khairul, Mohammad Sagor, Mohammad Rafiq, and Mohammad Saiful.

The explosion occurred around 12:00 pm in the pump room of SN Corporation’s shipyard, which then ignited a fire.

Al Mamun, senior station officer of Kumira Fire Service Station, said that two firefighting units from Kumira and Sitakunda fire stations responded to the scene and managed to control the fire. However, he noted that it may take additional time to fully extinguish the blaze.

Md Shaikat Azad, in charge of the shipyard, stated that the explosion occurred while workers were cutting a scrap ship in its final stages, resulting in injuries to the 12 workers.

The injured were subsequently rescued and transported to Chittagong Medical College Hospital. One of the injured is in critical condition, added Azad.

Sitakunda Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Kamal Uddin said, police were dispatched following the explosion and assured that legal action will be taken.-UNB