Four workers were killed and 20 others injured in a big
explosion at a ship-breaking yard at Madamdibir Haat in Sitakunda Upazila on
Saturday morning. Three entrapped workers are yet to be rescued from the ship.
Those seriously injured were taken to Chittagong Medical College Hospital,
while others injured were taken to Sitakunda upazila health complex and
different clinics, eye-witnesses said.
The death toll "may rise further", as a number of workers were
fighting for life, hospital sources said.
Three of those killed were identified as Selim, 25, son of Yakub Ali of
Jhalakati district, Rana Mia, 30, of Bogra district and Robiul, 30, of Naogaon
district. The identity of the other deceased could not be ascertained
immediately.
The tragic accident occurred at Rahim Diamond Steel & Ship Breaking Yard
owned by Haji A Rahim when some 50 workers were dismantling an oil tanker of
14000 tons
Witnesses said a boiler "suddenly burst into flames" at about 10:30
AM while the workers were cutting a ship named 'A-gate', killing four of them
on the spot and injuring 15 others.
On information, police rushed in and cordoned off the area.
Fire Brigade, police and some rescued workers said three workers are yet to be
rescued from the ship who went under the blasted iron scraps.