Following repeated directives to ensure occupational safety that went unheard, the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments (DIFE) filed a case against Ferdous Corporation Ltd of Sitakunda at a labour court on July 15, just a month before 9 workers died in a suspected toxic gas exposure at the shipyard.

Officials said the shipyard continued operations without ensuring adequate safety measures, leading to the tragedy.

The incident occurred around 8:00am at the shipbreaking yard of Ferdous Steel, a concern of the company, in Sitakunda's Bhatiary of Chattogram.

According to an immediate report by DIFE, workers were carrying out scrap-cutting work inside an old LNG carrier anchored at the yard when gas suddenly leaked inside the vessel, leading to a high concentration of carbon monoxide.

The workers suffered severe breathing difficulties due to the lack of oxygen and several became unconscious.

Five workers died at the scene, while four others were pronounced dead after being taken to hospital and during treatment, the report said.

Another 10 to 12 workers fell sick or sustained serious injuries and are receiving treatment at Chattogram Medical College Hospital.

Meanwhile, two labour inspectors were seriously injured after a mob assaulted a DIFE team that went to inspect the shipyard following the accident.

According to the DIFE report, its Chattogram branch had inspected the shipyard several times in the past and taken legal action over safety violations.

Mohammad Mahbubul Hasan, deputy inspector general of DIFE in Chattogram, told The Daily Star that officials had found several irregularities during a routine inspection of the shipyard.

“Following the inspection, a notice was issued to Ferdous Steel on February 2 this year,” he said.

“Despite several reminders, the factory authorities failed to implement the directives. As a result, a case was filed against the factory at the Chattogram Labour Court on July 15,” he said.

DIFE Inspector Md Sahed Parvez Talukder filed the case.

According to the department’s report, an inspection on February 2 identified several safety deficiencies, following which the authorities were issued a notice to rectify them.

A follow-up inspection was conducted on May 4, but inspectors found that the earlier directives had not been implemented and issued another reminder.

Later, on June 8, a final notice and reminder were issued, calling for stronger fire and occupational safety measures.

Following today’s accident, a joint team comprising local administration officials, Fire Service personnel and DIFE officials inspected the site.

Local labour leader Fazlur Kabir Mintu told The Daily Star that workers were allowed to enter the vessel without first checking for accumulated liquid waste or the presence of gas inside.

“This was negligence on the part of the owners. Besides, work was being carried out there on a day when the yard was supposed to be closed. These issues should be investigated and those responsible should be brought to justice,” he said.

Asked whether the shipyard had permission to dismantle the vessel, Chattogram Department of Environment Deputy Director Md Mojahidur Rahman told The Daily Star that such permission is not issued by the Department of Environment alone.

“Permission from several agencies, including the Department of Explosives, is also required. We cannot confirm yet which vessels belonging to the company have approval and which do not. Our inspectors have not been able to enter the place as the entire area has been cordoned off. The details will be known after investigation,” he said.