Explosion and Fire at Bangladesh Scrapyard Kills One, Injures 11

A serious accident occurred at SN Corporation, one of Bangladesh’s green-certified shipyards, on September 7, when an explosion followed by a fire took place during the dismantling of a tanker. The incident, one of the most severe in recent times, reignited concerns about safety in the shipbreaking industry. Local authorities reported that the explosion occurred while workers were cutting into the engine spaces of the vessel, with conflicting reports suggesting the explosion might have originated from either a fuel tank or a pump room.

Emergency teams responded quickly, extinguishing the fire and evacuating 12 injured workers. Sadly, one worker, a 38-year-old manager, died from his injuries. The remaining injured, suffering severe burns and other injuries, were transferred to an advanced burn unit. Medical professionals reported that many of the victims sustained burns over 60 to 80 percent of their bodies, in addition to inhalation and hearing damage.

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In response to the incident, the Bangladesh Ministry of Industries suspended operations at the yard and launched an investigation. While the shipyard had green certification, a union representative claimed that safety rules were not followed, pointing to issues with subcontractors and lax enforcement. The tragedy has also brought renewed attention to the broader dangers of the shipbreaking industry, which has seen significant loss of life over the past decade.

The NGO Shipbreaking Platform has long criticized the shipbreaking industry in South Asia, highlighting the lack of transparency and reporting on incidents. Despite efforts to improve safety standards, the latest tragedy underscores the ongoing risks faced by workers in this hazardous sector.