At least eight workers died after being exposed to toxic gas from a leaking tank of a decommissioned LNG ship at Ferdous Steel Ship Recycling Industries in Bhatiari of Sitakunda upazila today.

Another 10 to 15 workers reportedly fell ill and were taken to different hospitals for treatment following the incident, which occurred around 9am.

Officer-in-Charge of Sitakunda Police Station Md Mohinul Islam confirmed the incident, saying police rushed to the shipbreaking yard after receiving information about the accident.

Al Mamun, in-charge of Kumira Fire Service Station, said three workers were initially found dead at the yard. Five others later died after being taken to Chattogram Medical College Hospital.

Nurul Alam Ashek, in-charge of the CMC Hospital Police Outpost, said six injured workers were admitted to the hospital after noon. Of them, five were later declared dead by the attending physicians.

The identities of four of the deceased were confirmed. They are Sunny Jaldas, 22, Palash Jaldas, 27, and brothers Mansur Ali, 40, and Nasir Uddin, 38. All of them were residents of the Bhatiari area.

Ferdouse Wahid, managing partner of the shipyard, said three workers died at the spot while several others were injured. After being informed of the incident, fire service personnel reached the yard and launched rescue operations.

Yard manager Mohammad Yusuf said operations at the yard were suspended for the day following the incident.

Deputy Inspector General of the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments Mohammad Mahbubul Hasan said the workers died due to toxic gas emissions from the ship.

"The cause of the gas emission and whether adequate safety measures were in place for the workers at the yard are being investigated," he said.