Sitakunda, Bangladesh – A devastating explosion at a shipbreaking yard in coastal Bangladesh claimed the lives of seven individuals and injured at least 15 others on Saturday. The incident occurred when a discarded oil tanker, set to be dismantled, erupted into flames during the cutting process.
The local authority in Chittagong confirmed that the explosion shook the facility at Sitakunda, a known hub for shipbreaking operations that supply the national steel industry. The event underscores ongoing safety concerns in an industry critical for Bangladesh but plagued by regulatory shortcomings.
Eyewitness accounts suggest that the explosion was likely triggered by residual chemicals within the tanker, which had not been properly cleaned. The intensity of the blast caused significant damage to the yard and inflicted severe injuries on workers, some critically, who were nearby at the time.
Labor rights organizations have promptly responded, urging a thorough investigation and calling for better enforcement of existing safety regulations. The tragic incident has highlighted the hazardous working conditions that laborers in this sector often face.
The Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association expressed deep concern about the safety protocols in these yards, advocating for stricter enforcement and revisions to safety standards to protect workers. The group has been at the forefront of pushing for reforms in an industry that contributes significantly to the country’s economy but often at the expense of worker safety and environmental sustainability.
Government officials reported that an investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the blast and to evaluate the adherence to safety protocols by the shipyard. Preliminary findings point towards negligence in handling hazardous materials and a lack of stringent safety measures on site.
In the wake of the explosion, there has been a nationwide call for immediate action to improve conditions in shipbreaking yards across Bangladesh. Industry experts argue that apart from enhancing safety measures, there is a critical need for better training for workers handling such risky dismantling operations.
The incident also raises questions about the global practices of disposing of old ships, often sold cheaply to developing countries like Bangladesh, which then bear the environmental and human costs. International maritime organizations have been criticized for not enforcing stricter regulations on the disposal of ships.
Local communities, marginalised by the rapid expansion of the shipbreaking industry, have voiced concerns over the long-term environmental impacts, including pollution and degradation of the coastal areas that are crucial to their livelihood.
As the community mourns the loss of lives, there is a collective demand for justice and assurance that such incidents will not recur, pushing for a reevaluation of the balance between economic development and human and environmental safety in Bangladesh’s shipbreaking industry.